WKU Distinguished Educator & Administrator 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 11 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 11 educators (1 teacher in each of the 10 categories and 1 administrator). 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.
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:
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Deadline: Friday, February 6th, 2026
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Video Deadline for Finalist: Saturday, March 28th, 2026
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Winners announced: April or May 2026
Award Categories
This award honors an educator who consistently upholds high expectations for all students and creates a classroom environment where every learner—including those from federally accountable groups—feels valued and supported. It recognizes the commitment to all students as foundational to teaching and learning. The recipient exemplifies how belonging isn’t simply about access, but about helping every student thrive.
This category celebrates an educator who embraces creativity and new approaches—leveraging instructional strategies or technology in unique ways—to engage students in deep, meaningful learning experiences. The winner introduces fresh ideas, transforms the classroom dynamic, and inspires learners to think differently. They serve as a catalyst for change and model how innovation can improve outcomes.
The Literacy award is given to an educator who fosters a lifelong love of reading and writing among students, guiding them with rich, challenging texts and diverse literacy strategies. This teacher helps learners develop strong reading and writing skills across varied purposes and genres. They also model literacy best practices and create environments where students become confident communicators and thinkers.
This award acknowledges an educator who goes above and beyond to lead, guide, and support new or less-experienced teachers. The mentor builds strong relationships, shares expertise generously, and helps colleagues navigate the profession. Through their leadership, they strengthen the entire school’s teaching culture and increase collective impact.
This category honors a teacher working in special education who exemplifies inclusive practice and advocacy for all learners. The recipient models how to make rigorous instruction accessible and meaningful for students with diverse needs while promoting equity and dignity. They serve as a champion for learners often left behind and elevate special education as a vital part of the educational ecosystem.
This award is for an educator in the visual or performing arts who stands out as a master teacher and true professional among peers. They inspire and develop students’ creative capacities, integrate the arts deeply into learning, and often act as a leader in their discipline. Their work underscores the importance of the arts in a well-rounded education.
This category recognizes an educator who models excellence in physical and/or health education, promoting wellness, activity, and healthy habits in students. The winner demonstrates leadership in their field, fosters positive body-mind connections, and helps students develop lifelong well-being practices. Such teaching ensures that physical and health education remain essential elements of school life.
Office of the Dean
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
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