Kentucky Named Three Special Education Teacher Finalists
State education officials selected three educators as finalists for the 2026 Special Education Teacher of the Year award.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Special Education
The Kentucky Department of Education has named three finalists for the 2026 Special Education Teacher of the Year award. These educators were chosen from nearly 200 nominations submitted across the state.
Why it matters
The recognition program highlights the efforts of professionals working in special education across Kentucky. It provides a platform to showcase excellence in instructional support for students with diverse learning needs.
The finalists were selected from a pool of nearly 200 total nominations received by the department and the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children. Three finalists have been named to compete for the final state title.
The players
Kentucky Department of Education
This is the state agency responsible for overseeing public education and managing teacher recognition programs in Kentucky.
Kaitlin Morris
She is a teacher at North Warren Elementary School and is one of the three finalists for the award.
Kimmie Curtis
She serves as a teacher at the Kentucky School for the Deaf and is a finalist for the state honor.
Allison Slone
She teaches at Rowan Academy and is a finalist for the 2026 Special Education Teacher of the Year award.
The details
Kaitlin Morris of North Warren Elementary, Kimmie Curtis of the Kentucky School for the Deaf, and Allison Slone of Rowan Academy have been identified as the three finalists for the honor. The overall winner will be selected from this group following a final evaluation process.
Timeline
November 23, 2026: The overall winner will be announced at the KYCEC Conference.
The Big Picture
This award aligns with the mission of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children to support professional development for educators in the state. The recognition follows a pattern set by the council to highlight high-impact teaching strategies within state schools.
Residents in Warren and Rowan counties may see increased community support for these finalists as they prepare for the final selection round. The recognition emphasizes the importance of resources allocated to state special education programs.
The takeaway
Selecting finalists from a large pool of nominations helps identify and share successful pedagogical approaches used in classrooms statewide. This program serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for high-quality instruction for students requiring specialized support.
What happens next
The overall 2026 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year will be announced on November 23, 2026, during the KYCEC Conference in Louisville.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational initiatives on the Special Education section page.
