Thomas Clouse, second from left, an education program manager with the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning, received the 2026 Teresa Perry Compassion Award during the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) meeting on June 4. At the presentation were, from left, Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher; Perry’s sister, Dru Hawkins; and KBE Chair Sharon Porter Robinson. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, June 4, 2026.
Thomas Clouse, an education academic program manager with the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Teaching and Learning, Division of Academic Program Standards, received the 2026 Teresa Perry Compassion Award during the Kentucky Board of Education meeting on June 4.
“I was very surprised to receive the Teresa Perry Compassion Award,” Clouse said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside such amazing people during my time at KDE and I am grateful that they see me as approachable, supportive and caring. This team is deeply committed to supporting educators across the state, all with the shared goal of ensuring students have a high-quality experience that prepares them for success. It is an honor to be mentioned among the past recipients of this award and its namesake.”
Clouse has been employed at KDE for more than seven years. He was appointed education program manager of KDE’s Academic Core branch in January 2019.
His nominators emphasized his commitment to KDE staff and educators, as well as his leadership, professionalism and ability to make his team feel seen.
“Thomas Clouse is more than our office program manager,” wrote one nominator. “He’s our friend and champion of connection. Whether supporting colleagues in times of need or helping navigate KDE expectations, Thomas leads with integrity, kindness and compassion. His dedication to Kentucky’s educators and KDE staff makes him the embodiment of this award.”
A second nominator said he was approachable and caring.
“I can go to Thomas with any question and I will be met by his thoughtfulness and commitment to helping me figure it out,” the nominator wrote. “Thomas is also wonderful out in the field where educators find him approachable, professional and warm.
“While Thomas is certainly productive and proficient at his job, the quality we love most about him is his heart for others. He is a caring listener and makes his team feel seen and valued. His sincerity is one of a kind and we all feel grateful to be working alongside him.”
The award is given in honor of Teresa Perry, who served as executive secretary to the commissioner of education and worked for the state for more than 33 years. She was noted for providing outstanding customer service to those inside and outside the agency, always exhibiting compassion and providing positive inspiration for others.
The award is given annually in June to a KDE employee who exhibits the characteristics and professionalism Perry showed every day. The first five recipients were Janice Harris (2021), Monica Raines (2022), Viembre Nicholson (2023), Crystal Sohl (2024) and Chris Williams (2025).
“Although Teresa would say not to worry about recognizing her, she’d be so happy that we have used her name for an award that honors the hard work and compassion that so many people at KDE show on a daily basis,” said KDE Communications Director Jennifer Ginn.
“I am honored to be able to recognize Thomas here today,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. “His nominators showed how dedicated he is to moving education forward in Kentucky and always with such a positive attitude. Thomas is All In when it comes to his commitment to assisting others and providing excellent service.”
Leave A Comment