By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Once again the Kentucky Department of Education is providing an opportunity to honor those teachers who exemplify the best in their fields by opening nominations for the 2027 Kentucky Teacher of the Year award.
In 2024, Red Cross Elementary School teacher Scott Johnson was named as the 2025 elementary teacher of the year during a ceremony in the state capitol. In 2026 the Kentucky Teacher of the Year and middle school teacher of the year was Michelle Gross with Spencer County Schools, the elementary teacher of the year was Corbin Independent’s Melanie Howard and the high school teacher of the year was Mayfield’s Kara Byrn Dowdy, according to the department.
Nominations for these awards need to be submitted by Jan. 2, 2026. Teachers, students and parents can nominate deserving educators that are “expert[s] in their field who advances growth for students of all backgrounds and abilities,” build collaborative relationships with students and families “to create a school culture of equity and success,” connect the classroom with the community, are lifelong learner and teacher-leaders and who “express[es] themselves in an engaging and clear way that conveys the lived experience to a variety of audiences,” a department press release stated.
“The winner of the 2027 Kentucky Teacher of the Year award will receive a cash prize and a six-month professional sabbatical opportunity coordinated by [the department],” the press release stated. “They also will represent Kentucky in the National Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers during their year of service.”
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