WKU News
Western Kentucky University Students Recognized as 2026 Teachers of Promise
- Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Four education students from Western Kentucky University were recently honored at the 2nd Smoky Mountain Teachers of Promise Summit, a regional celebration recognizing exemplary future educators from colleges and universities from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Hosted by the Teachers of Promise Foundation, the Summit brings together top teacher candidates for two days of professional learning, inspiration, and connection with outstanding mentors and education leaders from across the nation.
Since 2004, the Teachers of Promise community has honored more than 4,000 future teachers.
Honorees from Western Kentucky University honored this year include:
• Samantha Boska
• Mikayla Gambrel
• Samantha Hartoin
• Sommers Smith
“Our Teachers of Promise represent the future of excellence in the teaching profession,” said Wade Whitehead, Executive Director of the Teachers of Promise Foundation. “To meet them is inspiring. To walk beside them as they prepare for decades of impact in classrooms and communities is both our privilege and our responsibility.”
The Teachers of Promise Foundation identifies, celebrates, equips, and connects outstanding future educators, strengthening the pipeline of excellent teachers across the nation.
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