December 7, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtney Daniel, Chief of Communications and External Affairs
courtney@prichardcommittee.org

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence released a report today that provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by teachers in Appalachian classrooms. The survey funded by The Steele-Reese Foundation and conducted by the Prichard Committee, in collaboration with a dedicated team of educators, indicates the profound impact of generational poverty.

“Understanding and addressing the unique educational challenges in the Appalachian region is crucial for the future of Kentucky’s students. This survey shines a light on the resilience and dedication of educators who are striving to overcome barriers and improve outcomes,” said Brigitte Blom, President/CEO of the Prichard Committee. “As we move forward, it is essential that we work with communities to implement hyper-local responses to issues they face.”

This initiative began in April 2023 and received responses from 1,031 educators. The objective was to better understand the experiences of those working closely with students and families across the 54 Kentucky counties served by the federal Appalachian Regional Commission.

According to the data obtained from Appalachian teachers, economic underdevelopment contributes to declining enrollments, reduced student motivation, and a scarcity of community partnerships, with instability becoming a notable consequence.

Teachers also noted the challenges of preparing students for non-existent jobs amid economic uncertainties, emphasizing the intertwined dynamics of poverty, drug dependency and family trauma—all persistent and evolving issues in the region.

“There is a lot going on for our students outside of the classroom,” a Hazard teacher said. “Flooding, fires, drugs—they are overwhelmed. School is the last thing they are worried about.”

The survey outlined teachers’ ideas for solutions and their perspectives on broader initiatives to boost education outcomes in the region. The proposed solutions include additional staffing—which encompasses a range from bus drivers to mental health professionals—enhancing infrastructure, bolstering community support, and increasing funding to address specific local needs.

Meaningful change for schools and students in Appalachia will require a collaborative effort, with leaders and local communities working together to address the complex challenges at hand. As stated by one veteran teacher in the survey, “We need to be listened to more and fix this from the inside out.”
For more information about the survey and its outcomes, visit prichardcommittee.org/2023-letter-from-kentucky-teachers.

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The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is an independent, nonpartisan, citizen-led organization working to improve education in Kentucky – early childhood through postsecondary.