Celebrating the 2026 KYSHAPE Teachers of the Year

KYSHAPE is proud to recognize four outstanding educators as our 2026 Teachers of the Year. These individuals represent the very best of health and physical education across the Commonwealth, demonstrating excellence in instruction, leadership, advocacy, and service to students and their school communities.

In addition to being recognized by KYSHAPE, each award recipient will advance as Kentucky’s nominee for SHAPE America Southern District Teacher of the Year consideration within their respective category.

Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Christopher Bayens

Physical Education Teacher | Fairdale Elementary School | Jefferson County Public Schools

Christopher Bayens is a dedicated physical educator serving students at Fairdale Elementary School in Jefferson County Public Schools. Known for his commitment to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments, Christopher works to ensure every student develops the skills, confidence, and enjoyment necessary for lifelong physical activity. His leadership within his school community and dedication to student success exemplify the mission of quality physical education.

Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Jenny Mock

Physical Education Teacher | Leestown Middle School | Fayette County Public Schools

Jenny Mock serves as a physical education teacher at Leestown Middle School in Fayette County Public Schools. Beyond the gymnasium, she has demonstrated leadership through school-wide initiatives, student engagement efforts, and service to the profession. Her commitment to helping students develop physically, socially, and emotionally through movement has made a lasting impact on her students and school community.

High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Katie Johnson

Physical Education Teacher | Trigg County High School | Trigg County Public Schools

Katie Johnson serves students at Trigg County High School, where she helps prepare young people for healthy, active lives beyond graduation. Her passion for student-centered learning, commitment to professional growth, and dedication to promoting wellness make her an outstanding representative of Kentucky’s physical education profession.

Health Education Teacher of the Year

Rebecca Sowder

Health Education Teacher | Elkhorn Middle School | Franklin County Public Schools

Rebecca Sowder is a health educator at Elkhorn Middle School in Franklin County Public Schools. Through engaging instruction and meaningful connections with students, she helps young people develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make healthy decisions throughout their lives. Her commitment to quality health education and student well-being exemplifies the impact educators can have both inside and outside the classroom.

Join Us in Celebrating Our Honorees

The 2026 KYSHAPE Teachers of the Year will be formally recognized during the Awards Reception and Opening Social on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Downtown Lexington, the official host hotel for the 2026 KYSHAPE Summer Conference.

Conference attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, colleagues, family members, and friends are invited to join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional educators and recognize their contributions to students, schools, and communities across Kentucky.

As we gather under this year’s conference theme, Teach with Intention. Lead with Impact., we proudly honor Christopher Bayens, Jenny Mock, Katie Johnson, and Rebecca Sowder for their dedication to advancing health and physical education throughout the Commonwealth.

Register Today

Registration is now open for the 2026 KYSHAPE Summer Conference, June 24–26 in Lexington, Kentucky. Attendees can earn up to 15 hours of professional development credit over two and a half days, including complimentary pre-conference learning opportunities.

Visit https://kyshape.org/2026-conference/ to register, view the agenda, explore pre-conference options, and reserve your hotel accommodations.

Congratulations to our 2026 KYSHAPE Teachers of the Year!