Future Teachers from LaRue Compete on National Stage

This summer, LaRue County High School Social Studies Department Chair and Teaching and Learning instructor Ben Schell took eight students to Orlando, Florida, for the National Educators Rising Conference. The group, all participants in LCHS’s Teaching and Learning pathway, had qualified at the state level by finishing in the top ten of their competitions earlier in the year.

“These are students who want to pursue a career in education in the future,” Schell explained. “Through the state-run conference, they all qualified for nationals by finishing in the top ten. Once in Orlando, they participated in competitions like a creative lecture about AI and education, public speaking about the teacher shortage, and a project exploring non-core teaching careers, which was the competition Nathaniel entered.”

The national conference, held June 26–29 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, was built around the theme Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders. More than 40 breakout sessions, keynote presentations from national education leaders, and multiple competition categories gave students the chance to learn, network, and showcase their skills.

Junior Nathaniel Beemer described his experience as both challenging and rewarding.
“There were about 25 to 30 people in my competition,” Beemer said. “I had to prepare a presentation, starting with the state competition, which was virtual this year. Nationals in Orlando was a very fun experience. I haven’t done something like that in a very long time. I don’t think I got top ten, but for me, it was the experience that mattered.”

For LaRue County students, the trip was about more than results. They had the opportunity to see themselves as future educators, connect with peers from across the country, and gain valuable experience that will shape their paths toward careers in teaching.

By supporting programs like Educators Rising through the Teaching and Learning pathway, LaRue County High School continues to invest in preparing the next generation of teachers—students who will one day return to lead classrooms and strengthen the community.