LEXINGTON, Ky. — Christy Cartner, a social studies teacher at Bryan Station High School, has been named the 2026 High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Kentucky State Council for the Social Studies. She received the statewide honor on Sept. 12 during the organization's annual conference in Frankfort.

Cartner, who teaches AP U.S. History and Civics at the Fayette County Public Schools school, emphasized the value of classroom dialogue in her acceptance. "I love the moments with students when questions lead to more questions, or when they bring up an idea or perspective on a topic I hadn't even thought about," she said. Beyond the classroom, Cartner collaborates with university educators and mentors to bridge research and practice in social studies instruction.

A native of Henderson, Cartner holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kentucky and is in her 19th year teaching at Bryan Station. She serves as a teacher representative on the school's Site-Based Decision Making Council and mentors graduate students pursuing teaching certification through UK's Master's with Initial Certification program for social studies education.

The award reflects Cartner's commitment to advocating for students, teachers, and classroom practices, organizers said. The Kentucky State Council for the Social Studies honored her contributions during the annual conference, which this year centered on the theme "Inquire, Ignite, Inspire."