Katie Berner named 2027 Kentucky Middle School Teacher of the Year
If you ask what Katie Berner does at Baker Intermediate, the answer goes far beyond her job title.
She helps students discover books and engage in vibrant learning in the library. She co-directs the school’s theater program. She builds relationships, creates opportunities, and encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and believe in what they can become.
Now, Kentucky is recognizing that impact by naming her the 2027 Kentucky Middle School Teacher of the Year.
"I'm honored for this award and very blessed to teach at a great school in a great community," Ms. Berner said.
Not surprisingly, she deflects attention to others. "I'm so thankful for the staff and students at Baker Intermediate School who all make it a great place to work each day. I'm also thankful for Clark County Schools and the whole Clark County community for the support they give to all teachers in the district. It's a wonderful place to live and work."
Superintendent Dustin Howard attended Wednesday's ceremony in Frankfort along with Board of Education Vice Chair Carl Kiser, Baker administrators, and members of Katie's family.
"We often talk about Growing Greatness in all of our students, but we don’t talk enough about the individuals in our classrooms that help us grow that greatness every day," Superintendent Howard said. "Katie Berner exemplifies how to grow greatness in our kids. She is LIVING IT! I’m ecstatic that the state of Kentucky now knows what the entirety of Clark County has always known — Ms. Berner is a world-class teacher who our kids and families are blessed to have educating their children."
Katie’s award brings statewide recognition to two decades of extraordinary impact and stands as another example of the Portrait of a Clark County Learner in action.
"Clark County educators have been challenged to Live the Portrait of a Learner, and Katie doesn’t just live it; she brings it to life for the people around her," said Baker Principal Josh Mounts. "She models what it means to be a lifelong learner by continually reflecting, growing, and looking for better ways to serve her students. She is a collaborator who shares her knowledge, learns from others, and makes the people around her better."
The best school experiences begin with relationships, and Berner is intentional about building them with her students.
“She builds relationships that give students the confidence to take risks, learn from mistakes, persevere, collaborate, and believe in what they are capable of becoming,” Mounts said. “She doesn’t simply teach the qualities we want our students to develop, she embodies them every day.”
CCPS is proud to call Katie Berner one of our own.
"I’ve seen firsthand the impact she has on our students, our staff, and our school," said Mounts. "This award is a reflection of the kind of teacher she is every single day. We are extremely fortunate to have her at Baker, and I couldn’t be happier for her."
