Kumar Rashad one of four JCPS teachers recognized by KDE
September 14, 2023—Breckinridge Metropolitan High School Teacher Kumar Rashad was named the 2024 High School Teacher of the Year yesterday at a Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) award ceremony in Frankfort.
“I feel completely elated because often the education profession doesn't receive many accolades," Rashad said. "It's good to be loved and appreciated for what I do."
Rashad thanked his students and colleagues who support each other every day "to make sure our kids know how to survive and thrive."
KDE said it received 1,367 teacher nominations, and from those, 255 teachers submitted an application for the Kentucky Teacher Achievement Awards, which is co-sponsored by Valvoline and Valvoline Global.
Rashad was one of 22 teachers statewide selected as Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award winners, including three other JCPS teachers who were recognized during yesterday’s ceremony:
Justin Moreschi (Klondike Lane Elementary School)
Brittany Ritter (Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School)
Ryan Davis (Waggener High School)
Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award winners receive a $500 cash award and were also eligible for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award.
Moreschi was one of four semifinalists for the 2024 Elementary School Teacher of the Year award. Davis and Rashad were two of the three 2024 High School Teacher of the Year semifinalists, with Rashad taking home the honor and a $2,750 cash award.
Boone County’s Kevin Dailey was named the overall 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.