Aspiring teachers invited to explore education programs at UK
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2026) — High school students interested in becoming teachers can get a firsthand look at college life and pathways into the profession during the University of Kentucky College of Education’s Future Educators Open House this fall.
The event is 10-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at UK’s Gatton Student Center. Registration is open for school groups planning field trips or for individual prospective students interested in education.
“The Future Teachers Open House gives students a chance to picture themselves here at UK and begin exploring where a career in education could take them,” said Jenna DeMastes, director of undergraduate recruitment for the College of Education. “They can hear directly from people who teach and learn here, ask questions and get a better sense of what it means to prepare for a career that makes a difference.”
Following the open house, prospective students can experience UK Hospitality with a complimentary lunch at Champions Kitchen.
For UK College of Education Dean Nick Pace, Ed.D., who previously served as a teacher and principal, introducing students to the possibilities of the profession is particularly meaningful.
“We want students who are considering this path to see the opportunities ahead of them and know that UK is a place where they can prepare to make that difference,” Pace said. "Choosing to teach is a lifetime of impact."
Several scholarship, loan and grant opportunities for education majors can be explored on the College of Education website. Learn more about becoming a teacher by registering for the open house or contact UK College of Education Undergraduate Recruitment Director Jenna DeMastes at jenna.demastes@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.