In this episode, we hear from three voices driving one of the most dynamic Educators Rising programs in the country. Brynne Massie, Kentucky’s state coordinator, is joined by Leah Jefferson, veteran teacher leader and adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University, and Alyssa Pollard, a high school senior, chapter president, and state officer who has become a passionate advocate for the profession.

Together, they offer a ground-level look at what it actually takes to build a grow-your-own teacher pipeline — and why it matters now more than ever.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
The case for grow-your-own. Brie shares how her own career trajectory — hired in part because she was from the community she served — shaped her conviction that local pipelines produce better teachers and stronger school cultures. The goal isn’t just recruitment. It’s retention, cultural continuity, and belonging.

A unique regional model. Leah teaches at the Ignite Institute, a regional career pathway school that draws from multiple high school feeders. Her program intentionally casts a wide net — including students interested in law, social work, and criminal justice — because the education ecosystem needs more than classroom teachers to thrive.

Student leadership in action. Alyssa describes how she went from managing her chapter’s social media as a freshman to competing at nationals, applying for state office, and testifying at the state Capitol — none of which she anticipated when she first joined. Her story is a compelling case for what happens when students are given room to grow into roles they didn’t know they were ready for.

Highlights from the 2026 Kentucky State Conference. The program hosted its first-ever delegate meeting — modeled on the national structure — giving students real governance experience and direct input into next year’s planning. A red carpet walk honoring teacher leaders brought the house down.

Practical advice for states and districts. Leah offers concrete, no-nonsense guidance for anyone looking to launch or scale an Educators Rising chapter: map events to your existing curriculum, get students into authentic classroom experiences early, build a network of partners who can take things off your plate, and don’t give up after one unanswered email.

A message to students on the fence. Alyssa’s closing advice is simple: apply for the thing you don’t think you’re qualified for. Educators Rising is a safe space to make mistakes, find mentors, and discover what kind of leader — and educator — you’re becoming.

Host & Guests
Molly Kauffman — Senior Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Brynne Massie — State Coordinator, Kentucky Educators Rising
Leah Jefferson — Teacher Leader; Adjunct Professor, Northern Kentucky University College of Education
Alyssa Pollard — Chapter President and Kentucky State Officer, Educators Rising

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