WKU News

WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) has announced the winners of its 6th annual Distinguished Educator Awards, a program dedicated to honoring the exceptional P-12 teachers who form the backbone of the state's education system. Through these awards, WKU reinforces its commitment to recognizing the hard work and vital contributions of educators across the Commonwealth.

This year’s category winners are:

·       Elementary: Debra Hughes – Barren County Schools

·       Middle School: Amanda Bales – LaRue County Schools

·       High School: Kelsey Meece – Somerset Independent Schools

·       Exceptional Education: Ann Bolin – Bowling Green Independent Schools

·       Literacy: Shannon Ellis – Hart County Schools

·       PE/Health: Amber Pegram – Green County Schools

·       Visual and Performing Arts: Shelby Boggs – Barren County Schools

·       Innovation: Shelby Turner – Bardstown Independent Schools

·       Belonging: Lauren Goffinet – Daviess County Public Schools

·       Teacher Mentor: Amy Bell – Daviess County Public Schools

·       School Leader: Jeff Wesley – Somerset Independent Schools

Every spring, regional school districts nominate their top educators. Superintendents submit these district-level entries, which are then carefully evaluated by a selection committee made up of faculty from WKU’s School of Teacher Education and School of Leadership and Professional Studies.

All nominees receive certificates, and finalists are highlighted on the CEBS website and social media channels. Category winners, who were informed of the good news during surprise in-person celebrations at their schools, receive a cash prize, an individual commemorative plaque, and their names engraved on a permanent plaque in the Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame (located in Gary Ransdell Hall on WKU's Bowling Green campus).

To see photo and video highlights from this year’s winners, visit the CEBS Facebook page facebook.com/cebsatwku.

To learn more about the awards, visit wku.edu/cebs/educatorawards.php.