Madeira’s 2026 Educator of the Year

Madeira Middle School eighth grade science teacher Kirby Slater has been named the Madeira City School District’s 2026 Educator of the Year. He will represent the district at the Hamilton County Education Foundation’s 2026 Celebrate Excellence event in May.

The Hamilton County Education Foundation (HCEF) sponsors the event which recognizes and honors excellent educators throughout all 25 public school districts of Hamilton County. Madeira staff, parents, and community members were asked to nominate a district educator who possesses a high commitment to student achievement, can challenge students at all levels, and extends him or herself to make a positive difference.

Mr. Slater is the ninth Madeira representative to attend HCEF’s annual educator recognition event since the district began participating in the in 2015. Previous Madeira honorees in the Celebrate Excellence Awards Program were Nicole Prater (2025), Vince Rahnfeld (2024), Tammy Roberts (2023), Kristina Wanstrath (2019), Jennifer Bruening (2018), Tracy Alley (2017), Kelly Wing (2016), and Megan McKee (2015). The 2020, 2021, and 2022 events were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Madeira Schools Superintendent Kenji Matsudo commented, "It’s my privilege to recognize someone who exemplifies the heart of our mission every day. Our Educator of the Year, Kirby Slater, brings passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to every student and every day. We are beyond grateful for the impact he makes.”

Mr. Slater has been a teacher at Madeira since 2021.