At LINK nky, we believe that educators – whether they are teachers or principals, tutors or superintendents – are at the heart of our community’s success. The Educator of the Week contest is our way of recognizing and celebrating the incredible educators who go above and beyond for Northern Kentucky students every day.
By highlighting their dedication, creativity, and impact, we hope to shine a light on the important role educators play in shaping the future—and to give our community a chance to show its appreciation for the people who make a lasting difference in our classrooms.
Each week, we will choose three nominees who have made an impact on their community and who represent a diverse mix of roles, grade levels, subject areas, school types, and geographic locations.
Click here for a full list of official rules and to nominate an educator.
The Educators
Educator: Gwendolyn Frayser
Role: Teacher at Holmes Middle School
Nominator: Deanna Herald
Why Herald nominated Frayser:
The thoughtfulness and compassion she puts into the education of her students. The work she puts in to ensure that not only her students but all students are doing their best and getting the best education possible. She talks to the parents and listens to their worries and concerns about the students. She does not look down on the students if they struggle, she will work with them until they fully get everything . She is the best teacher my child has ever had
Educator: Kyla Brady
Role: Teacher at St. Henry District High School
Nominator: Bridget Kaiser-Munday
Why Kaiser-Munday Nominated Brady:
Kyla is one of the most engaging, active, and creative teachers I have had the pleasure of working with. She continues to stretch the boundaries and reach kids in new and phenomenal ways. This year marks her 20th year teaching at St. Henry. She advocates for students, is honest about them, works with them, and truly sees the best in each kid that enters her room. Kyla teaches an elective class called Holocaust Studies, where students dive deep into their abilities for empathy and concern for others by learning about such a difficult time in our history and tying it to other issues throughout the world today. She continues to stretch students’ knowledge and compassion for those around them.
Ms. Brady is one of the most powerful, inspiring, kind, caring, passionate teachers I have ever met. When I was struggling in APUSH last year and shortly after a difficult first semester in her class I was diagnosed with ADHD, which turned my life upside down. I was unmotivated, frustrated, and upset with myself, I was at an all time low. However, Ms. Brady was in my corner cheering me on. I met with her so many times during flex, most times were not optional haha, but she knew me so well and learned to work with me. She believed in me when my parents did not. I needed someone more than ever and she truly stepped up. She does it for all of her students. She is always stepping up to every single challenge with a happy attitude. She cares so deeply about each and every one of her students as well. After my APUSH exam when I passed, surprisingly, she sent me an email about how proud she was about my accomplishment. She also emailed each of her students about how proud she was. It is not often you come into a classroom with such a passionate teacher that takes the time to email each of her students.Click the arrow to hear from a student who was motivated by Brady:
Alongside her kindness, she is also insanely organized. She grades everything so so so fast with so many notes and uplifting advice. She works so INCREDIBLY hard to make sure each of her students have every material to succeed. I mean all you have to do is check her google drive or any of her Schoology materials and you will see the hours of work and beautiful slideshows she creates for her students. The time and talent she puts into each slide and all of her notes is just so amazing. Genuinely she has motivated me to be a better student and be a better person. She has ALWAYS been there for me when no one has been. She has always understood me and my mental health when it felt like no one else could. She is the most relatable, easy going, approachable person to be around. It is going to be so hard to not see her every day next year and she has been the biggest role model in my life. I would not be the person I am today without her encouragement, her kind demeanor, and her belief in me. “
Educator: Allison Donaldson
Role: Teacher at John W. Reiley Elementary School
Nominator: Joey Cucchiara
Why Cucchiara nominated Donaldson:
I would like to nominate Allison Donaldson, first grade teacher at Reiley Elementary, for the LINK nky Educator of the Week because she truly embodies everything you hope for in an elementary educator.
She is incredibly thoughtful, kind, and patient, and it shows in everything she does. First grade is such an important year—both academically and emotionally—and she fully embraces that responsibility. She understands that her students are still learning how to be learners, and she meets them exactly where they are with encouragement, grace, and consistency.
She has a special ability to make learning enjoyable. Students leave her classroom excited about what they learned, eager to share stories from their day, and confident in themselves as a student. That doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a direct result of a teacher who creates a safe, welcoming classroom where kids feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again.
Communication is another area where she truly shines. She keeps parents informed, responds thoughtfully, and makes it clear that she values partnership with families. It is so reassuring to know what’s happening in the classroom and to feel confident that my child is cared for and supported throughout the day.
What stands out most is how genuine she is. She treats each child as an individual and leads with kindness, even in challenging moments. Her patience never goes unnoticed, and her calm presence sets the tone for a positive learning environment. She doesn’t just teach first grade—she loves it—and that enthusiasm makes all the difference.
John W. Reiley Elementary is incredibly fortunate to have her as a teacher, and I can’t think of someone more deserving of recognition. She does an amazing job every single day, and her impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Thank you Mrs. Donaldson.
Click the arrow to hear more from Cucchiara
Now it’s time to vote
Voting opens at 3 p.m. on Mondays and closes at 3 p.m. on the following Monday. Winners will be announced on Tuesday after voting has ended.
Vote as often as you like! There’s no limit to how many times you can show support for your favorite educator during the week.
Share the voting link with friends, family, students, and coworkers—the more people who know about your nominee, the more votes they can earn!
LINK nky encourages friendly competition and community spirit. We want to see entire classrooms, schools and neighborhoods rally behind their favorite educators.
We’ll keep an eye out for spam or automated votes to make sure everyone has a fair chance, but enthusiastic community support is absolutely encouraged.