FRANKFORT, Ky. — A northern Kentucky middle school teacher has won education’s top prize in the state: Teacher of the Year.

Kevin Dailey, a social studies teacher at Ballyshannon Middle School in Boone County, began teaching in the county in 2021, but has been in education for 10 years.

“I am really blessed and honored to be able to represent 40,000 plus teachers in Kentucky,” Dailey said. “This day is about all of our kids and all of our families. This day is about Kentucky.” 

Dailey was honored at the Capitol rotunda. He was also selected 2024 Kentucky Middle School Teacher of the Year. He was joined by the Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Donnie Wilkerson of Russell County Schools and High School Teacher of the Year, Kumar Rashad from Jefferson County. 

The Kentucky Department of Education announced the winner of the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year award in a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda on Sept. 13. Kumar Rashad, left, a mathematics teacher at Breckinridge Metropolitan High School (Jefferson County) was named the 2024 High School Teacher of the Year. Kevin Daily, center, a U.S. history teacher at Ballyshannon Middle School (Boone County), was named as the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and Kentucky Middle School Teacher of the Year. Donnie Wilkerson, right, a 5th-grade social studies teacher at Jamestown Elementary (Russell County), was named the 2024 Kentucky Elementary School Teacher of the Year. (Kentucky Dept. of Education/Marvin Young)

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass thanked Dailey, Rashad and Wilkerson and all the Commonwealth’s teachers for devoting their lives to educating students.

“Today’s ceremony recognizes and celebrates the most important profession there is, teaching. These award-winning educators represent more than 40,000 of their colleagues across our state who give of themselves every day to help students,” Glass said.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, D-Ky., a former educator, praised Dailey and all teachers at the ceremony. She said, “Regularly, I meet with students interested in pursuing a career in education. I tell them that I cannot promise you it will be free from heartache and worry. But I can promise you that you will feel fulfilled and know that you make a difference in your community.”

Dailey said he hopes to make sure all students in Kentucky have access to teachers who are supportive of them. Like a teacher he had in high school, who helped change his view about education.

“I tell my students from day one, I already love you,” Dailey said. “I don’t know you yet, but I love you. I think you’re awesome and you’re going to do great things.”