2021 Kentucky Teacher Awards Update

(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Valvoline Inc., sponsors of the Kentucky Teacher Awards, have extended the selection process for the 2021 Kentucky Teacher Awards program through October 2020 to allow more time to complete the multi-tiered selection process.

All nominated teachers were required to complete a formal application. KDE received a total of 207 applications for consideration for this year’s award.

Judging is being held remotely by members of a blue ribbon panel of education professionals from around the state following all social-distancing guidelines currently in place. As many as 24 Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award winners will be announced in the summer.

Following a review of classroom instruction and interviews with the top three candidates, the Kentucky Teacher of the Year will be announced in October. The 24 teachers will be honored with cash awards and other mementos. Teacher Achievement Award winners will receive a cash gift of $500; two of the three finalists will receive a cash gift of $3,000; and the Teacher of the Year will receive a cash prize of $10,000, along with an exciting ambassadorship opportunity. The Kentucky Teacher of the Year will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

Now in its 21st year, the Kentucky Teacher Awards program is an innovative collaboration between private industry and public education.