Kentucky School Advocate
November 2022

By Josh Shoulta
Staff writer

Frankfort High School senior Audrey Gilbert has a voice, and she hasn’t shied away from using it. She serves as a board member for the Kentucky Student Voice Team and as president of Educators Rising Kentucky, the state’s chapter of a national organization for students interested in education-related careers. Gilbert serves as an education policy intern for the Kentucky Department of Education, Youth Committee member for the National PTA and a student adviser for the Kentucky Association of School Councils.

What ignited your passion for education and student representation?            

My mom was a teacher for 20 years, and she works for the Department of Education now. I saw behind the scenes of education. I formed a lot of my own opinions very early on. I was involved in a mock legislative event in middle school that showed me some ways that you could get involved. From there, I really forged a way for myself. Just seeing that there were things I do could as a young person to impact the education system.

More people are attending school board meetings and asking tough questions about how decisions are made. Do you think this has led to an increase in student engagement?            

Probably the same level, maybe more, but there is just more space for it now. More parents are going to school board meetings and more outside groups coming in to give their opinions. They can’t really help but have students give their opinions, too. Pre-pandemic, there was a lot happening, there just wasn’t really a platform for it and not enough adults were interested in the work that was going on.  

What are the most pressing education issues for students?            

Inclusive curriculum, where students feel reflected in what they read and see and what teachers are teaching. Mental health resources in schools is a big topic. Assessment and accountability. (State test results) is important data to have, but it’s not what we need to focus on. Instead of focusing on tests, students would rather teachers reflect with them how their learning is going and what success looks like. All things school climate, belonging, and safety are really big.  

What’s inspired you to become an educator?            

Educators Rising as an organization has definitely solidified that I want to be a teacher and an advocate. Not one or the other. I’ve had people try to sway me. ‘Be a lawyer. Be a Doctor. Something that’s going to make money!’ But I’ve always gone back to wanting to be a teacher, especially since I’ve been involved with research and advocacy.