BCHS teacher named finalist for Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Barren County High School teacher Rayna Rudd has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year.

According to a release by the district, Rudd was chosen by the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children.

Rudd began her teaching career at Barren County High School in 2020 and currently teaches students in grades 10-12 at BCHS, the district says.

She earned her master’s degree in learning and behavior disabilities from the University of the Cumberlands in 2020.

When asked why she became a special education teacher, Rudd said, “I was drawn to special education because of the impact I could have. More than any other area of education, special education teachers have the opportunity to make a difference. Good special education teachers have made a world of difference for people I know who needed someone to see their child’s potential and fight for others to see it, too.”

The Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children will announce the winner at their annual conference in November.

Director of special programs Christa Middleton said, “Mrs. Rudd is such a strong advocate for her students and is fully invested in giving them the support they need to succeed in high school. She has a vision for their future and works to equip them with the skills they need to graduate high school as college and career-ready individuals.”

Click here to learn more about the November conference.