LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky program is accepting nomination for a program that recognizes teachers in Kentucky and around the world. The program is called “Teachers Who Made a Difference” and is sponsored by private donations. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mary Ann Vimont is a longtime professor, and leader at the University of Kentucky

  • She is the creator of "Teachers Who Made a Difference," a program funded by private donations to recognize teachers in Kentucky and around the world 

  • The program has spotlighted educators around the world and Bluegrass

  • Nominations for the award will be accepted through Dec. 31

The program was founded by Mary Ann Vimont, associate professor and director of alumni for the college at the University of Kentucky.

“Wasn’t literally in South Africa, but he was from South Africa teaching in California, and his father knew all about it and contacted us on the very day of the program. So he’s probably the furthest we’ve had him come from all over the United States,” Vimont explained about the global reach of the recognition.

She says the program started from a conversation she overheard former UK basketball coach Tubby Smith telling students about teachers being advocates in and outside of classrooms.

Jill Campbell, a musician, and dedicated eastern Kentucky university educator, was first nominated for the project in 2011.  

“Years and years ago, when I was working with a children’s choir, they invited our choir to sing at this awards banquet,” Campbell explained. “And I thought, well, that’s that’s sweet, you know, the children, and it turns out I was getting the award and I didn’t know.”

Campbell, who’s been with Eastern Kentucky University for 12 years, now teaches students who become educators themselves. She was honored a second time in 2020. 

“My standing up for marginalized groups is what — when I got this award. And because I believe that everybody should have equal access to education,” she shared.

Campbell says that often teachers who go the extra mile don’t realize the impact they are making, but recognition like this gives further reason to pursue the best for their students and future leaders.

“Something like this just makes you want to dig a little deeper and try a little harder because you know that someone somewhere felt that you were doing a good job and then you feel like I can do more, I can give more, I can commit more,” she shared.

The program is encouraging people in the community to nominate that special teacher in their lives for this year’s program by the Dec. 31 deadline.

“As an educator, I want to be able to honor fellow educators and let them know that this is one of the most special careers anyone can ever have,” Vimont said.

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