Evergreen Junior High special education teacher Kenny Ross is Montana's Teacher of the Year. 

Selected from a group of educators from across Montana, Ross was recognized for his work supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them build the skills and confidence to succeed, according to the state Office of Public Instruction.  

"Kenny’s work reflects the dedication of Montana educators who meet students where they are, help them work toward their goals, and make a lasting impact in their school communities. Montana looks forward to elevating Mr. Ross and all special education professionals on the national stage.” OPI Superintendent Susie Hedalen said. 

As the 2027 Montana Teacher of the Year, Ross will represent Montana in the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year program. He will also serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession, sharing his experiences with educators, students and communities across the state. 

"It means everything to me. I'm so honored and humbled. I've got an amazing team here," Ross said. "I'm so excited for Evergreen to be recognized as well." 

During the application and interview process, Ross was asked what his message to other educators would be. 

"Every student deserves to be seen, every student deserves to belong, and every student has something to contribute," he said. "That's the message I'd be spreading across Montana and that's the story I'd like to tell." 

Ross said he's looking forward to a busy year ahead when he takes on the ambassador duties in March. 

"There's incredible work going on in Montana," he said. 

Ross, who teaches fifth through eighth grade, works to help students develop their abilities and make progress toward individual goals, striving to engage colleagues, families and the community where students live. 

He is in his third year teaching at the junior high. The bulk of his 30-year teaching career was spent in Scotland, where he emigrated to the U.S. with his wife, Claire Sullivan and children. 

His recognition highlights the important work of special education teachers and the commitment of educators across Montana to serving students with diverse needs, according to the Office of Public Instruction. 

The other finalists considered for the award were Karen Reece of Lakeside Elementary School, McKayla Botsford of Potomac Elementary School, Sheryl Kohl of Poplar Middle School. 

Ross was nominated for Teacher of the Year by Evergreen School District Superintendent Laurie Barron after winning the school district's teacher of the year award last school year, which was voted on by his colleagues. 

"I've got an amazing team here," he said. "It's the best job I've had in 30 years." 

In her recommendation letter, Baron described Ross as a teacher who demonstrates exceptional professionalism and expertise with a "solutions-oriented mindset."  

"As the teacher of our Foundations classrooms, serving students with low-incidence disabilities, he works with students facing some of the most significant challenges in our school and district. He approached this important work with unwavering commitment, compassion, and a desire for helping every student succeed," Barron wrote. 

She also noted his willingness to go above and beyond for students, recognizing their growth along the way. 

"He celebrates success not only through academic progress but also as students achieve personal goals, build meaningful friendships, strengthen social skills, and gain greater independence," Barron wrote. 

Ross said the application process involved writing a lengthy essay and getting three letters of recommendation. Making the cut as one of four finalists, he was interviewed Oct. 9 by a panel that included Sen. Becky Beard, OPI Assistant Deputy Superintendent Tyler Capece, 2026 Montana Teacher of the Year Kortney Douma of Belgrade High School and School Administrators of Montana Executive Director Rob Watson. 

On Oct. 13, Ross got a surprise classroom visit by OPI Special Projects Coordinator Jewel Watson, who made the big announcement. 

"The school secretary thought I was getting an observation," Ross said, who is completing a master's degree at the University of Montana. 

"It was exciting and it was a big surprise," he said. 

Ross was also recently awarded the University of Montana College of Education Marlene Bachman Award for Student Teaching. 

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 406-758-4431 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.