Awards and Recognition Programs

Published: 4/20/2026 12:03 PM

The Kentucky Department of Education oversees several annual awards and recognition programs that honor exceptional teachers, students and schools in the state.

Educator recognitions include:

Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional (KESSP) Awards and National RISE Nominations - for classified staff working in Kentucky public schools
Kentucky Exemplary Educators Program (KEEP) - for certified teachers, teacher specialists and school leaders in Kentucky public schools
Kentucky Teacher of the Year (KTOY) Program - for distinguished certified teachers in Kentucky public schools with at least three years of experience
Milken Educator Awards Program - a national recognition program that honors teachers for their achievements and promise of what they will accomplish in the future. Each awardee receives an unrestricted award of $25,000.

Student recognitions include:

U.S. Senate Youth Program - Two student delegates (junior or senior status) are selected to represent Kentucky during the U.S. Senate Youth Program's (USSYP) Washington Week. Delegates also receive a $12,500 college scholarship for undergraduate study from The Hearst Foundations.
U.S. Presidential Scholars - contact Melissa Thompson

Awards and Recognition Programs

Office of the Commissioner

Division of Communications

300 Sower Boulevard

(502) 564-2000

Awards@education.ky.gov

Sydney Newton, an English language arts teacher at Taylor County High School, is the latest Kentucky educator to receive the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. The announcement came at a surprise ceremony at Newton’s school on Dec. 16, 2025. The award was accompanied by a $25,000 cash prize. Photo by Joe Ragusa, Kentucky Department of Education