Bullitt County, KY — Bullitt County Public Schools (BCPS) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 BCPS Teacher of the Year awards. This year’s honorees, recognized for their exceptional dedication to students and innovation in education, are:
High School Teacher of the Year: Sarah Akridge, Bullitt East High School
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Heather Bronson, Zoneton Middle School
Elementary School Teacher of the Year: LeAnn Malin, Shepherdsville Elementary
Sarah Akridge, an esteemed teacher at Bullitt East High School, inspires her students with her innovative teaching methods and commitment to excellence. Known for her ability to connect real-world applications to classroom lessons, Sarah ensures her students are not only academically successful but also prepared for their futures as community contributors and problem solvers. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom as she collaborates with colleagues to develop engaging programs that enrich the school’s learning environment.
Heather Bronson, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Zoneton Middle School, draws on her own experiences as a student who overcame personal challenges to inspire and empower her students. Heather’s innovative approach to learning includes creative units like her ghost story podcast project, which combines Kentucky Common Core Standards with local cultural history. Her dedication to fostering both academic growth and a love for learning exemplifies the best of teaching.
LeAnn Malin, a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Shepherdsville Elementary, creates a dynamic classroom environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Known for her innovative lessons like the “Adjective Café,” LeAnn ensures her students actively engage with the curriculum in meaningful ways. Beyond her classroom, she builds a strong sense of community by organizing family engagement nights and initiatives that foster trust and collaboration between families and educators.
Superintendent Dr. Jesse Bacon expressed his admiration for the recipients, stating, “These exceptional educators are a shining example of the transformative power of teaching. They bring energy, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to their students every day. We are proud to celebrate Sarah, Heather, and LeAnn for their impact on the lives of our students and their contributions to the BCPS community.”
The BCPS Teachers of the Year will be honored at an upcoming district event, where they will receive recognition for their extraordinary achievements. These educators exemplify the district’s mission of moving forward together to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.
For more information about BCPS and its outstanding educators, visit