The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced Ms. Allison Hunt (Social Studies) as Kentucky Teacher of the Year on Wednesday, October 17.

Ms. Hunt said that she was more excited than nervous on the day the KDE announced the award. “I didn’t anticipate winning the award though,” said Ms. Hunt.

Although many students are aware of her title now, many were unaware that Ms. Hunt was up for the award. “Most of my students didn’t know at first,” said Ms. Hunt. “I didn’t really want to make a big deal out of it. Initially I told them that I would be absent from school for a meeting in Frankfort, which was true.”

“I didn’t know about it until Mr. Shroering told us about it” said Marissa Booker (10). “She’s really humble, and that’s what I love about her.”

Along with winning Kentucky Teacher of the Year, Ms. Hunt also received one of the 24 Teacher Achievement Awards (TAA) on October 11.

Teachers, in order to receive the TAA award, had to fill out an application, get three letters of recommendation, write a two page professional biography, two pages on their philosophy of teaching, and two pages on educational issues today. Previous prestigious educators selected the top 24 teachers after looking over these applications. The semi-finalists, including Ms. Hunt were also interviewed and had classroom observations conducted before the KDE announced the 2013 Kentucky Teacher if the Year.

Many students have given Ms. Hunt praise. “She was my favorite teacher and part of the reason why I looked forward to white days,” said Elijah Bauer (10). “She knew the material and made class interesting and fun.”