WKU Distinguished Educator Awards

Teachers are the pillars of the Commonwealth’s educational infrastructure, and for that, there are simply never enough opportunities to say, “thank you”. WKU is as energized as ever when it comes to recognizing these exemplary community leaders, and we’re ramping up efforts to ensure these two words are conveyed more often.

The WKU Distinguished Educator Award are designed to celebrate current Kentucky educators in our service region who are making significant contributions to the teaching profession.

Each spring our district partners will have the opportunity to recognize Kentucky teachers (P-12) across 10 different categories.
The nominated educators do not have to be WKU alumni.
Superintendents will determine nominations at a district level and submit these entries accordingly.
From there, finalists will be selected and recognized during a surprise visit to their school.

View Past Distinguished Educators

How to Apply:

A Google account is required to access and submit a nomination form.
Please review the award categories. Please note that each school district may nominate up to 10 educators (1 teacher in each of the 10 categories). You must only enter one nominee per form submission.
Superintendents or their designees will complete the nomination form for each area being nominated.
If you’re not a superintendent, but would like to nominate a Kentucky educator, please notify the teacher’s school principal. He/she will ensure this nomination is brought to the superintendent for consideration.
One letter of recommendation highlighting the nominee’s achievements is required for each nomination (this letter does not have to come from the superintendent). The letter must be uploaded to the application link via PDF file.

Apply Electronically

The Review Process:

A committee comprised of the faculty of the School of Teacher Education will review all nominations to select three finalists in each category.
The nominating districts for top three finalists for each category will then be asked to submit a 2-3 minute video highlighting the finalist. These videos will be used by the committee to choose the winners.
The winners in each category will then be selected from these contenders.

Recognition:

Each nominee will receive a certificate that will be celebrated at the district level.
Finalists will be announced on the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences website and social media pages.
Category winners will receive a cash prize and a commemorative plaque.
Category winners will also have their names on a perpetual plaque in the Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame, proudly displayed inside WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Deadlines and Dates to Consider:

Deadline to submit nominations are Saturday, February 10, 2024
Video Deadline for Top Three Finalists: Saturday, March 30 2024
Winners will be announced on social media and celebrated in their schools: April or May 2024

Award Categories

Innovation (Preschool – 12)

Educator who excels in using unique and innovative instructional strategies and technology to engage students in meaningful learning.

Diversity (Preschool – 12)

Educator who excels at holding high expectations for all learners, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, socio-economics, and English language learners.

Literacy (Preschool – 12)

Educator who excels at modeling and promoting a lifelong love of literacy in students and engages students in challenging texts to build reading and writing skills and strategies within diverse texts and for a variety of purposes.

Teacher Mentor (Preschool – 12)

Educator who goes above and beyond in guiding, leading, and supporting new teachers.

Special Education (K-12)

Educator who excels in the special education context, serving as a model of inclusivity and advocates for the learning of all students.

Visual and Performing Arts (Preschool – 12)