As a former teacher, I believe there is no higher calling within a profession than to be a teacher. One of the joys I have each year as commissioner of education is to celebrate our best during the Kentucky Teacher of the Year ceremony.

I had the privilege and honor of welcoming the new 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, Michelle Gross of Spencer County Middle School, during the event. We also honored high school division winner Kara Byrn Dowdy of Mayfield Independent, elementary school division winner Melanie Howard of Corbin Independent and all of our 2026 Teacher Achievement Award winners.

Robbie Fletcher

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher

The most important factor in the achievement of our students is the effectiveness of the teachers and school administrators who serve them. As we continue to strive to offer all children the best education possible, it is important that we retain our current high-quality teachers and recruit more people into the teaching profession. We also need to be aware that our teachers cannot be alone in the quest for the best future for our students.

We need everyone in our Commonwealth to be unified in supporting our students and helping them achieve the success they deserve, and to do that, we must appreciate our educators and the dedication they show to each and every student in Kentucky. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for several teachers in my life, and I know many of you feel the same way about the teachers in your lives.

This year’s Kentucky Teacher of the Year celebration was a little bit different for us. The Foundry on Broadway in Frankfort played a gracious host to us during an evening ceremony where we recognized educators for their achievements in the classroom and the impact they have made on their students, families and communities. While we honored a small group of teachers during this event, we know there are so many more that are doing innovative and excellent work on behalf of their students.

I also want to thank the group who spoke at this year’s event: Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky Board of Education Chair Sharon Porter Robinson and 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Jennifer Montgomery. Gov. Andy Beshear also shared a virtual message during the ceremony. I encourage anyone who is interested to view the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year ceremony on the Kentucky Department of Education’s Media Portal.

The Kentucky Teacher of the Year and Teacher Achievement Award honors signify professional achievements in the work of these individuals every day to serve as models for the teaching profession. These teachers were selected because they have the respect and admiration of their colleagues and their students. They are the experts in their field and advance growth for students of all backgrounds and abilities.

These educators don’t see an economic status; they see kids that need to be loved. They build collaborative relationships with colleagues, students and families to create a school culture of success. They deliberately connect the classroom to the community.

These educators are also lifelong learners and teacher leaders, using innovative learning experiences both in and out of the classroom, and they express themselves in an engaging and clear way that conveys the lived classroom experience.

Teaching is a profession we need to celebrate daily. We host a ceremony every year to honor our educators hard work and the dedication they have for the job that we all love, and I encourage you to think of the deserving educators in your schools who are making a positive impact and find ways to celebrate them.