The photo used by Johnson for his educational YouTube channel, used as a study aid for his students.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has announced the selection of nine outstanding educators for the 2025 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Awards, with a special recognition for Barren County. Among the honorees is Scott Johnson from Red Cross Elementary, who will now compete for the prestigious 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in September.
Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher highlighted the significance of the awards, stating, “The Kentucky Teacher of the Year Awards honor outstanding teachers who go above and beyond to help develop the next generation of leaders in Kentucky. I truly believe that our educators are among the best in the nation, and we at KDE are proud to celebrate their tireless efforts in their classrooms and communities.”
Johnson, alongside eight other exceptional teachers from across the state, is being recognized for his dedication and contributions to education. The full list of honorees includes:
Elementary School:
– Angela Nicole Hardin, Peace Academy (Jefferson County)
– Scott Johnson, Red Cross Elementary (Barren County)
– Sarah Wallace, Robert B. Turner Elementary (Anderson County)
Middle School:
– Jennifer Montgomery, Eminence Independent Middle School (Eminence Independent)
– Jessica LF Talley, Mt. Washington Middle School (Bullitt County)
– Alicia Christine Thomas, Lexington Traditional Magnet School (Fayette County)
High School:
– Jamie Brown, Marion County High School (Marion County)
– Katy Cecil, LaRue County High School (LaRue County)
– Hayley Dant, Randall K. Cooper High School (Boone County)
“These award-winning educators represent more than 40,000 of their colleagues who are still dedicated to serving students and the teaching profession,” said Fletcher. “I want to recognize and thank all Kentucky teachers who give of themselves daily to encourage our students to dream, to persist, and to succeed in life.”
The nine educators will be honored during a ceremony in Frankfort on Sept. 10, where KDE will also announce the winners of the elementary, middle, and high school teaching divisions. From these three finalists, one will be named the 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and will go on to represent Kentucky in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
In addition to the honor, all award recipients will receive cash prizes, with the overall Kentucky Teacher of the Year receiving $10,000 and the opportunity for a six-month sabbatical with KDE to serve as an ambassador of the teaching profession.
This year, KDE received 528 teacher nominations, with the final selection made by a blue-ribbon panel of veteran educators from across the state. The rigorous application process included evaluations of the nominees’ teaching philosophies, experiences, community involvement, and letters of recommendation from peers, students, families, and administrators.
Barren County is proud to have Scott Johnson among these esteemed educators, showcasing the high level of dedication and excellence within the local teaching community.