College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Members of the WKU Young Male Leader Academy participated in Kentucky’s Educators Rising Conference earlier this month. The Young Male Leadership Academy is a recruitment initiative comprised of males from diverse backgrounds who work together to develop leadership skills and explore the teaching profession. The program coordinated between the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Warren County Public Schools and Bowling Green Independent Schools, provides mentorship to underrepresented population thus ensuring a more diverse and equitable teaching workforce.

Through local chapters of individual membership, Educators Rising students have opportunities to participate in projects that assist and recognize educator practices through local, state, and national conferences as well as performance-based competitions. For the last month, YMLA participants have prepared for the annual State Educators Rising Collegiate conference.

WKU’s YMLA participants were honored with the below placement based on their performances:

Ethical Dilemma

First Place:

• Kaiser Stunson, Justin Mosquera, Le’Quentin Flippin - Warren East High School
• Carrigan Watson – Greenwood High School

Creative Lecture

Second Place:

• Karson Green- South Warren High School

Impromptu Speaking

Third Place:

• Treviyan Burton – Warren Central High School

Public Speaking

First Place:

• Tayshaun Jones- South Warren High School

Educator Rising Moment

First Place:

• David Quintanilla – Bowling Green High School 

Public Speaking

Second Place:

• Robert Unseld- South Warren High School

“ [I] told myself that I definitely need this one to count as it would be my last through the Young Male Leadership Academy,” YMLA Participant and Ethical Dilemma Champion, Carrigan Watson, said. “Fortunately, I got the perfect members and the best information in my grasp and was able to once again be deemed State Champion, making my family, school, and WKU proud in the process. This time I look forward to giving it my all at Nationals and securing the victory for Western and the rest of Kentucky.” 

Students who placed at the state level will compete at the virtual National Educators Rising conference June 24-27th. For those interested in becoming involved with the WKU’ YMLA program, please contact Recruitment Coordinator for Equity and Diversity in Teaching, Mrs. Julia Rivas at julia.rivas@wku.edu.