Melanie Howard, a dedicated special education moderate and severe disabilities educator at Corbin Primary School (Corbin Independent), was named a 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year finalist and winner of the elementary school teaching division at a ceremony held on Oct. 7 in Frankfort. Howard said she is a huge advocate for special needs students and always works to give them recognition for the small milestones that can easily go unnoticed. She said any moment in the classroom is a teaching moment, as they are learning life skills that can hopefully carry over to their behavior outside of the classroom. (Photo submitted)
(CORBIN, KY) — Melanie Howard’s unwavering devotion to a profession that demands an abundance of patience and heart has not gone unnoticed.
Howard, a dedicated special education moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) educator at Corbin Primary School (Corbin Independent), was named a 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year finalist and winner of the elementary school teaching division at a ceremony held on Oct. 7 in Frankfort.
Howard is currently in her 21st year as an elementary special education MSD educator, including the last seven years at Corbin Primary.
“To be an MSD teacher, I would like to share this nomination and this award with all MSD teachers. I feel like we are often not looked upon as regular elementary, middle or high school teachers, but we do some of the most important work in our school systems,” Howard said.
Howard said she is a huge advocate for special needs students and always works to give them recognition for the small milestones that can easily go unnoticed. She said any moment in the classroom is a teaching moment, as they are learning life skills that can hopefully carry over to their behavior outside of the classroom.
Howard said she had always known she wanted to be a special education teacher – specifically an MSD educator – as she comes from a family of educators, with many in special education.
“I feel like I was truly called to be an MSD teacher; there is nothing else I want to teach or expect to teach until I retire. I have been in this position at different grade levels, and it is where I thrive,” she said.
Howard said one of the moments that pushed her growth as both a teacher and leader came when she recognized the gaps in support for students with significant disabilities in their district. She said they had a supportive structure in place, but many students were still struggling, especially with communication, social and life skills.
Howard began advocating for resources and programs that would provide students with moderate to severe disabilities with the same extracurricular activities, enrichment opportunities and social experiences as their peers while pushing for a more holistic approach to education.
Howard said these efforts sparked conversations with other colleagues and professionals within the district and over time; she began to see a positive shift in her students.
Howard said this has allowed her to celebrate many significant milestones within the special education classroom. She said she has one little boy who just started using his voice to speak, as he had been communicating with a special electronic device, and is now beginning to read independently.
“I expect real progress, and I see it every day,” Howard said. “Real learning happens in the MSD classroom. I feel like when you create the right environment, one that is just individualized for our students, amazing things can happen.”
As a special education teacher, Howard takes any opportunity to teach her students independence, problem-solving, collaboration and real-world skills. One way she is able to accomplish this is through her weekly cooking lesson.
Melanie Howard, a dedicated special education moderate and severe disabilities educator at Corbin Primary School, introduces her students to a recipe every week that they read through together, discussing unfamiliar vocabulary, identifying key ingredients and reviewing materials. By Friday, they are prepared to follow the recipe confidently, working together to create something tangible and rewarding. She said in her classroom, cooking is a hands-on, multi-sensory experience that engages students of all backgrounds and abilities. (Photo submitted)
Every week, Howard introduces her students to a recipe that they read through together, discussing unfamiliar vocabulary, identifying key ingredients and reviewing materials. By Friday, they are prepared to follow the recipe confidently, working together to create something tangible and rewarding. She said in her classroom, cooking is a hands-on, multi-sensory experience that engages students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Howard said another goal of hers is to ensure her students are actively involved in their school community.
“I am always seeking ways to create meaningful opportunities for interaction, inclusion and engagement,” Howard said. “One initiative that has helped build a culture of connection in my classroom and beyond is our partnership with the high school Interact Club, a student organization dedicated to community service.”
Howard said this collaboration began with a shared goal: to provide her students with sensory-rich experiences while fostering relationships between them and their peers. The high school students take an active role in planning the activities, seeking guidance from Howard on how to best meet the needs of her students. They ask thoughtful questions about her students’ preferences, sensitivities and communication methods, ensuring that each activity is accessible and engaging.
The Interact Club’s most anticipated event is the Spooky Sensory Hour, held every October. During this event, members design and set up a variety of sensory stations featuring materials that align with Howard’s students’ abilities and interests. The high school students take on a leadership role while her students gain exposure to new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
“This initiative has had a profound impact. … Watching these relationships form and grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work,” she said.
Howard explained that building strong connections between students, families and the community is a key part of her role as a special education teacher.
One of Howard’s former students’ mother, Mitsy Thompson said, “As a special needs parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child be independent and Mrs. Howard has been our partner in this journey. One time she told me, ‘I’m always looking for ways to show the world what he knows.’ My son blossomed into the best version of himself while working with Mrs. Howard. He does things today that we never thought we would see …. We owe his accomplishments to Mrs. Howard because this wouldn’t have been possible without her.”
“I do my job not just for my students, but also for their parents. I feel like hopefully I can make a difference in the lives of my students, their parents, their grandparents and anybody who interacts with my students,” Howard said. “I feel like if we invest in our MSD classrooms, we can figure out ways for our students to shine, show their skills and capitalize on what they are good at, whether it is social, academic or emotional, we celebrate all of it.”
Howard expressed her appreciation for her school district stating, “I have a wonderful school district (that) has invested in my classroom. I can ask for anything and they say they can do it.”
Angela Disney, the assistant principal of Corbin Primary, said that Howard is a standout educator within their district and community.
“Mrs. Howard exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator. Her dedication, innovation and belief in her students make her an invaluable asset to our school community. I can think of no one more deserving of the honor of Teacher of the Year than Mrs. Melanie Howard,” Disney said.
Howard said she is more dedicated than ever to being a lifelong learner and is constantly seeking new ways to improve and advocate for the resources her students need.
“My passion for fighting for my students has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally,” she said.
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