The Gold Star Teacher of the Year is...
Mrs. Kiara Berry
1st Grade
Fairwood Elementary School
The author of a children's book, "Which Cape Will I Wear Today," which teaches children about positive self-talk, Kiara is a constant source of inspiration to the children she serves. Her passion for children radiates in everything she does, whether it's the creative ways she teaches, as her classroom might be a pizza parlor, a hospital, or even a rock concert, depending on the day's lesson. However, that energy isn't limited to just her students, as her ability to build relationships with staff and parents makes her a beacon of positivity, academically and emotionally, throughout the building.
Congrats to our Top 10 Finalists and the over 800 amazing educators who were nominated this year!
Meet the Finalists
Ms. Stephanie Abney
4th Grade Science
Newport Intermediate School
Described as a "dream teacher for any principal," Stephanie can be counted on daily to help students facing academic challenges, all while fostering positive relationships with each youth she encounters. She often serves as a personal safe space for students who know they can vent their frustrations, review challenges and count on her as a mentor, much in the way she acts as one to her fellow teachers. This year, Stephanie started a "morning hair club" designed to help students feel confident about themselves as they start their day.
Mrs. Lindsey Addison
1st Grade
Sharonville Elementary
A member of Sharonville Elementary's Equity Team, Lindsey celebrates her students' unique accomplishments and diversity. This is evident outside of her classroom, as she celebrates her students' achievements and the things that make each of them unique. Her peers have cited her work for ensuring equity with Sharonville Elementary's staff, students, and the community at large. Relationship building is her crucial element in ensuring each student receives what they need to thrive. One nominator said, "There is no doubt in my mind that Lindsey checks every box and then some!"
Ms. Kiara Berry
1st Grade
Fairwood Elementary School
The author of a children's book, "Which Cape Will I Wear Today," which teaches children about positive self-talk, Kiara is a constant source of inspiration to the children she serves. Her passion for children radiates in everything she does, whether it's the creative ways she teaches, as her classroom might be a pizza parlor, a hospital, or even a rock concert, depending on the day's lesson. However, that energy isn't limited to just her students, as her ability to build relationships with staff and parents makes her a beacon of positivity, academically and emotionally, throughout the building.
Ms. Christina Black
High School / Career Specialist
Robert A Taft IT High School
Christina's dedication to the student body is exceptional, a fact illustrated in her student nomination for this award and her ability to help a young person who re-enrolled after she encouraged them to return to school. Christina's innate ability to see when someone is struggling and be a voice of comfort, inspiration, and determination never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Be it a fellow teacher battling severe personal health issues or a student needing someone to remind them they are special, worthy, and can achieve great things. "She's an advocate for us. She's willing to help any and everybody!"
Mrs. Rachel Blackwood
7th Grade Science
Holmes Middle School
Rachel has long served the needs of children. Leaving her research job at Cincinnati Children's at age 40, she became a teacher to help inner-city students with special needs and challenging home situations. In addition to providing individual counsel to students outside of the classroom, she serves as a tutor and coach. This is a continuation of her passion for helping young people, treating her students like her own family in a compassionate and giving way. One submission stated, "Her kids with special needs thrive under her compassionate and kind, giving nature. She truly is one of a kind."
Mx. Dawn Forte
7th & 8th Grade Math & ELA
North College Hill Middle School
The first of her family to graduate college, Dawn is an advocate for all students, especially members of the LGTBQIA+ community and those with mental health challenges. Devoting much of her time, inside and outside of the classroom, to her students, Dawn profoundly cares for the well-being of every kid she encounters. Dawn is a trusted adult for many of her students at their most challenging times and bravely faced personal danger in times of crisis, in addition to spending significant amounts of her money to ensure they have what they need to succeed. She gives all of herself every day for every child who needs her.
Ms. Jennifer Frith
High School Law Enforcement
Scarlet Oaks Career Campus
A teacher who "cares for her students beyond the requirements," Jennifer is a law enforcement instructor at Scarlet Oaks who has affectionately become known as "Mama Law" since being known as a second mother to many of her students. One student says her presence has had the most significant impact on their life, academically transforming them into a student that looks forward to learning every day. Making school fun and creating an environment where students can thrive. Some students said, "She made that classroom and home away from home."
Mr. Joe Kemphaus
Elementary Title 1 Reading
Heritage Hill Elementary
A dedicated member of Heritage Hill Elementary's staff, Joe is active in student programming organizations and serves as a liaison for Anthony Munoz Foundation camps. Known for his dedication to providing direction, drive, and opportunities for lifelong connections, he has brought literacy links from high school students to his Heritage Hill students, serving as pen pals and much more. Not only has he connected students to their community, but Joe has also demonstrated the importance of student leadership, integrity, and creating a future impact on the world.
Ms. Emma Kirk
Kindergarten
Cincinnati Classical Academy
Emma instills a love of learning in children, which is reflected in various nominations she has received in her first year of teaching. Helping welcome children who have never been in a structured educational setting together at a brand-new school is no easy task, although her excellence in the classroom makes it seem that way. As one parent says about her work, "She has created a welcoming environment for all learners … I have no doubt she is creating a more compassionate world for future generations."
Ms. Sarah Stapleton
Intervention Specialist
New Richmond Middle School
In addition to helping provide for the educational needs of middle school students with learning challenges. She has proven to be highly dedicated to filling gaps academically for her students and being there for them emotionally. Sarah is also the leader of Project Lunchbox, which provides meals for more than 120 students each weekend to fight food insecurity and hunger among her students. One nominator said, "I know she loves each one of her students dearly."
Ms. Stephanie Abney
4th Grade Science
Newport Intermediate School
Described as a "dream teacher for any principal," Stephanie can be counted on daily to help students facing academic challenges, all while fostering positive relationships with each youth she encounters. She often serves as a personal safe space for students who know they can vent their frustrations, review challenges and count on her as a mentor, much in the way she acts as one to her fellow teachers. This year, Stephanie started a "morning hair club" designed to help students feel confident about themselves as they start their day.
Mrs. Lindsey Addison
1st Grade
Sharonville Elementary
A member of Sharonville Elementary's Equity Team, Lindsey celebrates her students' unique accomplishments and diversity. This is evident outside of her classroom, as she celebrates her students' achievements and the things that make each of them unique. Her peers have cited her work for ensuring equity with Sharonville Elementary's staff, students, and the community at large. Relationship building is her crucial element in ensuring each student receives what they need to thrive. One nominator said, "There is no doubt in my mind that Lindsey checks every box and then some!"
Ms. Kiara Berry
1st Grade
Fairwood Elementary School
The author of a children's book, "Which Cape Will I Wear Today," which teaches children about positive self-talk, Kiara is a constant source of inspiration to the children she serves. Her passion for children radiates in everything she does, whether it's the creative ways she teaches, as her classroom might be a pizza parlor, a hospital, or even a rock concert, depending on the day's lesson. However, that energy isn't limited to just her students, as her ability to build relationships with staff and parents makes her a beacon of positivity, academically and emotionally, throughout the building.
Ms. Christina Black
High School / Career Specialist
Robert A Taft IT High School
Christina's dedication to the student body is exceptional, a fact illustrated in her student nomination for this award and her ability to help a young person who re-enrolled after she encouraged them to return to school. Christina's innate ability to see when someone is struggling and be a voice of comfort, inspiration, and determination never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Be it a fellow teacher battling severe personal health issues or a student needing someone to remind them they are special, worthy, and can achieve great things. "She's an advocate for us. She's willing to help any and everybody!"
Mrs. Rachel Blackwood
7th Grade Science
Holmes Middle School
Rachel has long served the needs of children. Leaving her research job at Cincinnati Children's at age 40, she became a teacher to help inner-city students with special needs and challenging home situations. In addition to providing individual counsel to students outside of the classroom, she serves as a tutor and coach. This is a continuation of her passion for helping young people, treating her students like her own family in a compassionate and giving way. One submission stated, "Her kids with special needs thrive under her compassionate and kind, giving nature. She truly is one of a kind."
Mx. Dawn Forte
7th & 8th Grade Math & ELA
North College Hill Middle School
The first of her family to graduate college, Dawn is an advocate for all students, especially members of the LGTBQIA+ community and those with mental health challenges. Devoting much of her time, inside and outside of the classroom, to her students, Dawn profoundly cares for the well-being of every kid she encounters. Dawn is a trusted adult for many of her students at their most challenging times and bravely faced personal danger in times of crisis, in addition to spending significant amounts of her money to ensure they have what they need to succeed. She gives all of herself every day for every child who needs her.
Ms. Jennifer Frith
High School Law Enforcement
Scarlet Oaks Career Campus
A teacher who "cares for her students beyond the requirements," Jennifer is a law enforcement instructor at Scarlet Oaks who has affectionately become known as "Mama Law" since being known as a second mother to many of her students. One student says her presence has had the most significant impact on their life, academically transforming them into a student that looks forward to learning every day. Making school fun and creating an environment where students can thrive. Some students said, "She made that classroom and home away from home."
Mr. Joe Kemphaus
Elementary Title 1 Reading
Heritage Hill Elementary
A dedicated member of Heritage Hill Elementary's staff, Joe is active in student programming organizations and serves as a liaison for Anthony Munoz Foundation camps. Known for his dedication to providing direction, drive, and opportunities for lifelong connections, he has brought literacy links from high school students to his Heritage Hill students, serving as pen pals and much more. Not only has he connected students to their community, but Joe has also demonstrated the importance of student leadership, integrity, and creating a future impact on the world.
Ms. Emma Kirk
Kindergarten
Cincinnati Classical Academy
Emma instills a love of learning in children, which is reflected in various nominations she has received in her first year of teaching. Helping welcome children who have never been in a structured educational setting together at a brand-new school is no easy task, although her excellence in the classroom makes it seem that way. As one parent says about her work, "She has created a welcoming environment for all learners … I have no doubt she is creating a more compassionate world for future generations."
Ms. Sarah Stapleton
Intervention Specialist
New Richmond Middle School
In addition to helping provide for the educational needs of middle school students with learning challenges. She has proven to be highly dedicated to filling gaps academically for her students and being there for them emotionally. Sarah is also the leader of Project Lunchbox, which provides meals for more than 120 students each weekend to fight food insecurity and hunger among her students. One nominator said, "I know she loves each one of her students dearly."
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