Mt. Washington, KY (June 19, 2025) — Mt. Washington Middle School’s own Jessica Talley will take center stage this weekend as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Kentucky Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (KCTE) Conference, held June 20 and 21 at the Ignite Institute in Erlanger, Kentucky.
Talley, a passionate educator and advocate for student voice, was invited to keynote in recognition of her commitment to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments and her dedication to equity in education. Her work reflects the values at the heart of this year’s KCTE Conference theme: "Reignite Our Passion, Renew Our Promise, Uplift Our People."
This honor follows two major recognitions of Talley’s outstanding impact:
Kentucky Teacher Award Recipient. Talley was named one of only nine teachers statewide to receive this prestigious award, chosen from over 500 applicants
Core Value in Action Award for Students Matter Most. Bullitt County Public Schools celebrated Talley at its November 2022 Board of Education meeting for exemplifying the district’s core value that students matter most
Talley’s personal journey fuels her work in the classroom. The granddaughter of a Filipino immigrant who overcame great adversity to build a new life, Talley is driven to ensure that students, especially English learners, see their cultural identities as strengths to be honored and shared. "I want my students to know their identity matters and deserves to be celebrated, not hidden," she shares. Inspired by her brother’s experiences in school, Talley is devoted to being the teacher who never gives up on any student. "I want to help them see the world in new ways and learn to advocate for themselves and others."
Conference Dates: June 20 and 21, 2025
Location: Ignite Institute, Erlanger, KY
Register: www.kctela.org/conference-info
Bullitt County Public Schools and Mt. Washington Middle School are proud to celebrate Jessica Talley’s leadership and impact in Kentucky and beyond.