Shining a spotlight on some of the best educators in Kentucky
With the 2027 Kentucky Teacher of the Year ceremony on Sept. 9, now is a perfect time to highlight just how special the educators in Kentucky are to the communities they call home.
Educators selected for fifth cohort of Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship
This distinguished group of teachers will continue advancing the vision of United We Learn by implementing innovative instructional practices, engaging in meaningful professional learning, and fostering collaboration to transform teaching and learning across Kentucky classrooms to provide vibrant learning experiences for all Kentucky students.
National Board Certified Teachers say encouragement, support can help educators earn their certification
Teachers who attain the National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) status often face challenges throughout the process of becoming certified, but teachers have shared that they’ve been able to overcome challenges with help from different supports.
Sixteen new members selected for KDE’s 2026-2027 Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council
Established to gather student feedback on critical issues impacting students and schools, the council connects Kentucky students with Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) staff to develop ideas to strengthen student voice and transform education.
Nine Kentucky educators named 2027 Teacher Achievement Award winners
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced nine Kentucky educators as recipients of the 2027 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Awards. These teachers are also nominees for the 2027 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced in September.
Educator Spotlight: Golden Owl Regional Winner Madison Goodlett
Madison Goodlett, an agriculture teacher at Leestown Middle School in Fayette County, is a recipient of a regional Golden Owl Award.
Family Friendly Schools: Brenda Cowan – Legacy of Service
Named after the first Black female firefighter in Lexington who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Brenda Cowan Elementary was founded on the principles of service and community.
KDE’s Summer Boost program to provide books and other resources in 34 districts
Thirty-five sites in 34 school districts will be participating in the 2026 Summer Boost: Reading and Mathematics Program, a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the Summer Food Service Program.
Family Friendly Schools: Northern Elementary Reaches for Gold
Northern Elementary (Fayette County) began its work to pursue the Prichard Committee’s Family Friendly School Certificate in Fall 2024. This work was initiated by our Local Leadership Team, composed of teachers, administrators, community partners, and grant coordinators.
Yates Elementary earns Gold Family Friendly School Certificate
At Yates Elementary (Fayette County), we believe that strong family and community partnerships are essential to student success.