Early Career ELA Teacher of the Year: 

Emma Hutchinson, Wayne County High School: Wayne County Schools

A 2017 Wayne County High School graduate, Emma earned degrees from Lindsey Wilson (BA), Louisville (MA), and Campbellsville (MAT). Now teaching freshman honors and AP Language at WCHS and courses at Somerset Community College, she’s presented at conferences, published in journals, and is pursuing a doctorate in English Pedagogy at Murray State.

Elementary School ELA Teacher of the Year:

Angela Reeder, Park City Elementary: Barren County Schools

I am a 2008 graduate of Western Kentucky University. I am currently working on my LETRS certification. I have taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 6th. I have taught 2nd grade for the past five years and so far it has been my favorite! Charlotte’s Web is my favorite book to read each year to my students. We have a big celebration with farm animals and carnival foods upon its completion.

Middle School ELA Teacher of the Year: 

Carter Lakes, Madison County Middle: Madison County Schools

With ten years of experience in the 8th grade classroom, Carter Lakes is dedicated to bringing literature to life for middle schoolers at B. Michael Caudill Middle School. As the recipient of the KCTE Middle School Teacher of the Year award, they utilize their Master’s in Library Science to connect students with diverse texts and build essential information literacy skills. They are deeply committed to helping students find their unique perspectives through the beauty of the English language and the power of a great story. 

High School ELA Teacher of the Year: 

Mr. Jared Criswell, Wayne County High School, Wayne County Schools

Jared Criswell has taught English at Wayne County High School, since 2010, where he now chairs the department and leads AP Language, dual-credit, and English III. Holding M.A. degrees in Education and English, he lives in Monticello with his wife, Taylor, a History teacher, and their daughter, Scotlyn.

College ELA Teacher of the Year: 

Brandon Abdon, Western Kentucky University 

Dr. Brandon Abdon serves on the Education and English faculty at Western Kentucky University. A former classroom teacher, administrator, and Director of AP English Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at the College Board, he publishes and consults nationally on English pedagogy, literacy, and assessment. A Past President of the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English, he received the NCTE Secondary Teacher of the Year Award.

Special Education Teacher of the Year: 

Aubrie Seibert, Grant County Middle School: Grant County Schools

Hello! My name is Aubrie Seibert, and I have been teaching 6th-grade Special Education (LBD) for 4 years. I work in the county I grew up in, and I absolutely LOVE my job and getting to see students grow in their confidence over the year. I feel so fortunate to work in this field and am so thankful for the people I get to do it with!

Administrator of the Year: 

Ms. Mariruth Morris, Grant County Middle School: Grant County Schools

Mariruth Morris is the principal of Grant County Middle School and has over 21 years of experience in public education. She leads with a students-first philosophy and is committed to supporting students during the pivotal middle school years. Morris focuses on instructional excellence, positive school culture, and strong teacher mentorship. She works to strengthen literacy and math achievement while ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging. Morris is also an active presence in the school community, supporting strong connections between home and school.

The Gretchin Niva Service Award: The Gretchen Niva Service Award is given each year to an outstanding proponent of English/Language Arts and literacy.

Melissa Decker, Owensboro Schools 

Melissa Decker has been a volunteer in Owensboro Public Schools since 2002 and is in her ninth year as an OPS school board member. She and her husband, Tony, are proud parents of four children. Her first, and still favorite, book friend is Peter, the star of Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day. 

The Stephanie Kirk Classroom Grant: In honor of Stephanie Kirk, the board has established the Stephanie Kirk Classroom Learning Award, which KCTE/LA will award every year to a Kentucky teacher. 

Linzie Wells, Owensboro High School 

Project Title: “Implementing the Station Rotation Model in the Multilingual Learner/Sheltered ELA Classroom”