Rockcastle County Schools is proud to celebrate Hannah Laswell, eighth grade teacher at Rockcastle County Middle School, on being named the 2026 Kentucky Council for the Social Studies Middle School Social Studies Teacher of the Year!

This statewide recognition celebrates Hannah’s dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences that bring history, government, and civic engagement to life for her students.

As an eighth grade teacher, team leader, and Project Citizen Club sponsor, Hannah creates opportunities for students to do more than simply learn about history — they experience, analyze, discuss, and apply it. Through engaging activities such as her “King’s M&Ms” simulation, lessons examining landmark Supreme Court decisions, and thoughtful discussions surrounding constitutional principles, Hannah encourages students to think critically and make connections between the classroom and the world around them.

Hannah also holds dual master’s degrees in Special Education and Literacy. Her approach combines strong instructional practices, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to supporting the individual needs of her students.

The Kentucky Council for the Social Studies recognized Hannah for her innovative teaching and her dedication to preparing students to become critical thinkers, active members of their communities, and lifelong participants in our democracy.

We are incredibly proud to have Hannah representing Rockcastle County Middle School and Rockcastle County Schools through this well-deserved statewide honor.

Congratulations, Hannah, on being named the 2026 KCSS Middle School Social Studies Teacher of the Year! We are proud to have you as a Rocket Leader! 🚀❤️