EMINENCE, Ky. — It’s an honor only a select few Kentucky educators receive.
Inside room 106 at Eminence Independent School is Jennifer Montgomery. She has taught at the Henry County school for more than 20 years.
“Some things I love and believe are, teachers have different ways of going about how they choose to what they teach,” Montgomery said. “I love people, and we crave human connection, so I chose things that I’ve been able to connect to, things that create a passion in me.”
Her class is currently reading a book, “A Long Walk to Water,” which follows both a real-life character and a fictional one with the backdrop of the Second Sudanese Civil War. “Access to water” is an example of how Montgomery connects with the narratives being told in this novel.
“It helps them see a point of view that’s something they’ve probably never experienced before and never thought about before,” Montgomery said. “I kind of have a personal connection; I haven’t exactly experienced what these characters have experienced, but I did grow up in a really rural part of Trimble County, and I did not have running water or a telephone service.”
Now in her 23rd year of teaching, the state of Kentucky is finding out what Eminence has known for nearly a quarter-century: Montgomery is something special.
The Kentucky Department of Education named Montgomery its 2025 Teacher of the Year, out of nine finalists.
“[I’m] honored to be sitting there with all these other phenomenal educators … so hearing my name called out was a little unexpected, and it was kind of a surreal moment,” Montgomery said of the recent award ceremony held at the State Capitol in Frankfort.
Every day since she has been named Teacher of the Year, Montgomery has received well-wishes from students and colleagues alike, even from students she never taught.
“She is creative; she is persistent,” said Erin Lynn, Eminence teacher. “She is a tireless worker, and she’s always improving her practice, always researching and trying new strategies and new opportunities.”
Montgomery has even more work to do now that she has a new title. Over the next year, she will travel the state, guest-teaching at other Kentucky schools serving as an ambassador to all educators.
“She’s a fun teacher,” said student Aubrey Hance. “She makes sure we get to do all these cool activities, and she’s super generous.”
Montgomery will also receive a $10,000 stipend for her accomplishment. Her role as “Teacher of the Year” begins Jan. 2025.
“My students and my colleagues have been amazing,” she said.