Educator Recognitions - Kentucky Department of Education

Educator Recognitions

Published: 4/26/2023 4:22 PM

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) offers the following opportunities to recognize Kentucky educators and support staff as they create transformative experiences for students and school districts.

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 early- to mid-career 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 teaching 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.

Awards and Recognition Programs

Office of the Commissioner

Division of Communications

300 Sower Boulevard

(502) 564-2000

KentuckyTOY@education.ky.gov

2022 Milken Award Winner Jessica Goodman in a classroom

Jessica Goodman, a kindergarten through 5th grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher at Farmer Elementary School (Jefferson County), was surprised with the $25,000 Milken Educator Award on April 22, 2022. Photo by Milken Family Foundation.