School is out for the summer! And you know what that means? We’re launching our first-ever Educator of the Semester.
Since the beginning of the year, we have been hosting the Educator of the Week contest to recognize and celebrate the incredible educators who go above and beyond for Northern Kentucky students every day.
This week, we’ve rounded up all the winners from each week for you to vote on the LINK nky Educator of the Semester: Spring 2026.
Click here for a full list of official rules and to nominate an educator.
The Educators
Educator: Megan Rider
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Shelbi Hitch
Why Hitch nominated Rider:
“Mrs. Rider has served as a strong mentor to her team this year, intentionally creating a collaborative atmosphere and building capacity among her colleagues. She consistently supports those around her, helping to strengthen instructional practices and promote a positive, team-centered culture.”
Educator: Matthew Von Handorf
Role: Teacher at the Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Chelsey Powell
Why Powell nominated Von Handorf:
Mr. Von has truly changed my child’s perspective on school. My son is so excited to see him in the car riding line every morning and talks about him all the time after school.
Mr. Von has helped him become a better reader and he has stayed out of trouble this year. Not only do you see him in the classroom but at the school plays, sporting events and other academics supporting the kids.
Educator: Heidi Clary
Role: Teacher at Turkey Foot Middle School
Nominator: Julie Futscher
Why Futscher nominated Clary:
My daughter is now a senior, she suffers from anxiety and depression, when she is having a bad day, she knows she can go to Heidi, but I help her get through and finish out the day. Heidi always has words of encouragement, a calming demeanor, and keeps snacks stocked. Heidi has been my daughter’s go-to since 5th grade. She shows up to games and supports her students through the years. Heidi is very involved within the school, she coaches volleyball, basketball and cheer. She is a positive light to all her students, past and present. She deserves to be recognized.
Educator: Nicholas Barron
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: James Barron
Why James nominated Nicholas:
Nicholas is a dedicated musician who uses his talents to shape the next generation. Whether he’s helping beginners learn their first notes or working with the marching band after school, he’s patient, encouraging and always willing to put in extra time. His students know he believes in them, and it shows in their confidence and growth.
He doesn’t just teach music, he builds character, teamwork, and pride. Northern Kentucky is lucky to have an educator like Mr. Barron making a difference every single day.
Educator: William Young
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Sydney Young
Why Sydney nominated William:
William Young is the kind of educator every student hopes to have at least once in their life. Inside his classroom, learning isn’t just something students have to do — it’s something they genuinely look forward to.
He builds strong, meaningful relationships with his students, taking the time to truly know them, understand them, and encourage them. His energy is contagious, and he has a unique way of making social studies not only engaging but genuinely cool.
Educator: Lindsey Bray
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Shelbi Hitch
Why Hitch nominated Bray:
I would like to nominate this math teacher for Educator of the Week for the remarkable growth her students have shown in their mathematical skills throughout this school year. Through purposeful planning, data-driven instruction, and high expectations, she ensures that all students are both supported and challenged to reach their full potential. She holds every learner accountable while creating a classroom environment where students feel encouraged, confident and motivated to improve.
Educator: Lynne Webster
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Shelbi Hitch
Why Hitch nominated Webster:
I would like to nominate Lynne Webster for Educator of the Week for recently completing their master’s degree and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to professional growth.
They actively seek out new knowledge and strategies, even when the work is challenging, and apply what they learn to better support students. This educator consistently puts students first, advocates for their needs, and approaches every responsibility with integrity, care and a commitment to doing what is right.
Educator: Sarah Stienmetz
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Shelbi Hitch
Why Hitch nominated Stienmetz:
I would like to nominate Sarah Stienmetz for Educator of the Week for consistently holding high expectations for both students and staff while challenging the entire school community to continuously improve.
Through thoughtful questioning and reflective practices, this educator pushes others to think deeper and grow. As a lifelong learner, they model curiosity, commitment and a passion for learning that inspires everyone around them.
Educator: Allison Donaldson
Role: First-grade 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.
Educator: Marti Jo Houlehan
Role: First-grade teacher at Woodfill Elementary School
Nominator: Brooke Riesenbeck
Why Riesenbeck nominated Houlehan:
Marti Jo Houlehan is an incredible educator! She teaches 1st grade at Woodfill Elementary. Mrs. Houlehan is patient and so very kind . She first meets the most important needs of each child, helping them to be confident of their value and their capabilities. The students in Mrs. Houlehan’s class know that they are loved and respected, and in turn are free to be themselves to learn and grow in the most productive way! Mrs. Houlehan makes everyone around her better.
Educator: Zachary Neal
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Adam Marotta
Why Riesenbeck nominated Neal:
Mr. Neal takes learning to a new level for his students. He cultivates meaningful experiences and goes beyond what is written in the text. As a department head, Mr. Neal also supports other teachers and ensures that they are successful before focusing on his own needs. Mr. Neal’s vibrant classroom has led to great achievements for both students and Campbell County Middle School as a whole. Mr. Neal sees the students first and his ability to build relationships is second to none. His dedication to education and the students of Campbell County make him extremely deserving of this award.
Educator: Megan Brown
Role: Teacher at Turkeyfoot Middle School
Nominator: Robert Brown
Why Robert nominated Megan:
Mrs. Brown is an ELD teacher at Turkeyfoot Middle School. As an ELD teacher, Mrs. Brown’s primary focus is to instruct English Language Learners (ELLs), that is, students for whom English is not their first language.
What makes Mrs. Brown an exceptional educator is the work she puts in to ensuring that the benefits of her program expand beyond the classroom. Mrs. Brown often becomes an important point of contact for the families of her students as well, many of whom are new to the area, and often to the country. All communications that go out from her are translated into the various languages that are spoken in the homes of the students so that the families can be appropriately informed. This includes helping the families to understand details of life in Northern Kentucky that might be taken for granted, like the origins of our holiday celebrations and what a “snow day” is.
Educator: Rory Glynn
Role: Journalism/publications/technology teacher at Notre Dame Academy
Nominator: Bill Thompson
Why Thompson nominated Glynn:
When he left the Enquirer in 2012, he could have coasted into a public relations job, but instead decided to become a teacher.
Since then, he has taught journalism and coached the tennis team at Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills. Journalism is not the career it once was, but it remains vitally important. Forget the longs hours, and low pay, these are the people who are holding government and business leaders responsible for their actions.
Educator: Emily Klopp
Role: Teacher at Crossroads Elementary in Cold Spring
Nominator: Kim Visse
Why Visse nominated Klopp:
I am nominating Emily Klopp for Northern Kentucky Teacher of the Week because she consistently exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership and dedication to students. Emily is a fifth-grade teacher and team leader at Crossroads Elementary with 21 years of experience and a proven ability to motivate students academically, socially, and emotionally. Her impact is evident not only in student achievement, but also in the confidence and perseverance her students develop under her guidance.
Emily teaches math and social studies with purpose, hands on activies and passion, making learning relevant and engaging for students. She continues to set high expectations while providing the encouragement and support students need to be successful. Emily motivates learners by helping them believe in themselves, celebrating growth, and reinforcing the value of effort and persistence.
Now it’s time to vote
Voting closes at 3 p.m. on June 15. Winners will be announced June 16.
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.
