Principal Mark Webster, one of the recipients of the 2025 KEEP award, poses with his award and the KDE Division of Educator Recruitment and Development, Veda Stewart.
Kentucky’s educators are the heart of every community, inspiring students, strengthening families, and shaping our future workforce. The KEEP program was created to honor and celebrate outstanding K–12 educators, assistant principals, and principals across the Commonwealth.
Candidates should be currently serving in certified teacher, specialist or principal roles in Kentucky public schools, and demonstrate the criteria listed below:
Effective and innovative instructional practices as evidenced by student learning results;
Educational accomplishments and leadership beyond the classroom;
Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
Qualified individuals selected for KEEP will receive public recognition, a certificate of excellence from KDE, and may be considered for other recognitions and opportunities, including invitations to sit on advisory councils and committees.
Recommendation Process
Recommendations should be made by education leaders, including but not limited to: district superintendents, district curriculum and professional development supervisors, principals, and representatives from teacher training institutions. Self-recommendations will not be accepted. Recommendations should be submitted using the online KEEP recommendation form by May 1, 2026. Refer to the KEEP Information Sheet for required information and additional details about the recommendation process.
Please Note: This is a confidential process. Candidates should not be aware of this recommendation.