Public invited to honor 'Teachers Who Made a Difference'
Submissions are now open for the 2027 Teachers Who Made a Difference program, which recognizes educators and the meaningful impact they make on students’ lives. Hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Education, the program has celebrated teachers for 25 years.
The program is not a competition, but an opportunity to recognize educators who have made an impact, said Mary Ann Vimont, the UK College of Education faculty member who founded the program.
“Every teacher who is nominated is honored because someone took the time to say ‘You mattered to me,’” Vimont said. “Whether it’s a teacher making a difference in your child’s life today or an educator who had an impact on your own life, we hope people will take a moment to submit their name. Teachers do so much for their students, and this is a simple way to let them know their work is seen and appreciated.”
The 2027 celebration will include a recognition ceremony and, as part of the program’s 25th anniversary, an opportunity for honorees to step on the football field at Kroger Field for a photo opportunity.
Over the years, UK coaches have joined the College of Education in encouraging the public to recognize teachers who have made a lasting impact. For Kentucky women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks, the teachers who made a difference in his life are still memorable years later, particularly his kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher.
“Everybody’s got that one teacher that they still remember,” Brooks said. “For me I have several. The one who had the biggest impact was my wife, watching her serve over 17 years of teaching and the impact she made on so many children.”
The program gives honorees an opportunity to hear directly how their influence has been felt.
“Teachers give us windows to see what is possible and doors of opportunity to chase it,” said UK College of Education Dean Nick Pace, Ed.D. “I’m grateful to the teachers and coaches who saw more in me than I saw in myself, and I appreciate that I’ve had the chance to tell them what a difference they made. The college’s Teachers Who Made a Difference program gives others that same opportunity to celebrate the impact of a teacher.”
Every teacher nominated by Jan. 15, unless the event reaches capacity sooner, will be recognized through the program and invited to participate in a spring 2027 celebration. Submit nominations at education.uky.edu/teachers.