Estes Special Education teacher Nikki Janiak has been named a winner of the 2027 Teacher Achievement Award from the Kentucky Department of Education. Janiak is one of nine teachers selected for this recognition (three from each elementary, middle and high school level) and will be recognized during a ceremony in Frankfort September 9.
During that ceremony, one overall winner from each grade level will be selected and the three will be finalists for the Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award.
All award recipients will receive cash prizes. The overall Kentucky Teacher of the Year will receive $10,000 and will have the opportunity to do a six-month sabbatical with KDE. As part of the sabbatical, they will be able to travel around the state to connect with other teachers as an ambassador of the teaching profession.
KDE received 600 teacher nominations this year. Judging was conducted by a qualified panel of veteran educators from across the state.
Nominees were interviewed and judged based on their teaching philosophies, teaching experiences and involvement in their respective communities. Judges also considered letters of recommendation from peers, students, families, administrators and others.