 Allison Johnson, middle, an assistant program administrator in KDE’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning, was named the recipient of the 2025 Kevin M. Noland-Mary Ann Miller Award for Outstanding Public Service to Kentucky Schools. Presenting her the award were, from left, Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher and KBE Chair Sharon Porter Robinson. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, Dec. 4, 2025
(FRANKFORT) -- Allison Johnson, assistant program administrator in the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Special Education and Early Learning’s Transition Education Unit, was named the recipient of the 2025 Kevin M. Noland-Mary Ann Miller Award at the Dec. 4 Kentucky Board of Education meeting.
The award recognizes a KDE employee for significant service to Kentucky’s public schools and for providing inspiration for education. KDE staff and the agency’s partners submit nominations for the award.
"It has been a pleasure and a joy to work for the department," said Johnson. "I really appreciate the very student-focused nature and everyone is also working for the Kentucky student. I was a Kentucky student and I am so glad I can spend my professional life continuing to serve Kentucky students."
Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said Johnson embodies everything it means to be a servant leader.
“We are proud to honor Dr. Johnson today for her dedication to Kentucky’s students,” said Fletcher. “She is ‘All In’ when it comes to ensuring there are necessary support and resources to provide the best possible opportunities for student success across the Commonwealth.”
Johnson’s career is a testament to service, empathy and quiet strength, her nominator wrote in a letter nominating her for the award.
“From her early days as a paraprofessional and special education teacher in Massachusetts to her current leadership role at KDE, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to students with disabilities,” her nominator wrote.
Johnson joined KDE in 2020 as an exceptional consultant. Since then, she has been a driving force in reimagining how Kentucky supports students with disabilities as they transition to adulthood.
“As a founding leader of the Transition Education Unit, she has helped elevate transition services from an afterthought to a launch pad for joyful, purpose-driven and independent futures,” her nominator wrote.
“Her work is deeply practical and grounded in the real needs of schools and students. Under her leadership, the State Personnel Development Grant has evolved into a sustainable, coordinated system aligned with KDE’s United We Learn vision. She has forged strong partnerships with districts, families, community agencies and national experts to ensure that transition programming is inclusive, data-informed and student-centered,” her nominator wrote.
What truly distinguishes Johnson, her nominator wrote, is her leadership style, which is marked by conviction, compassion and humility.
“She sets high expectations because she believes our students deserve nothing less, and she empowers others to meet those expectations through support, not pressure. She leads by walking beside her team, asking thoughtful questions and cultivating a culture of excellence that extends far beyond KDE.
Johnson’s nominator said her influence is felt in “quiet, powerful moments: when a teacher gains confidence in using data to support a student’s dream, when a district leader finds clarity in planning or when a parent realizes their child’s future is full of possibility. Dr. Johnson doesn’t just support systems – she builds trust. She listens deeply, acts with integrity and keeps students at the center of every decision.”
Johnson’s work inspires schools to “dream bigger, serve better and believe in what’s possible for every learner.”
The award is named for Kevin M. Noland, who served as KDE’s deputy commissioner, general counsel and as interim commissioner on four separate occasions, and Mary Ann Miller, who served KDE as a program consultant, staff assistant, policy adviser, director of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) and chief of staff.
Established in 2013 to recognize Noland’s 18 years of service, KDE added Miller’s name to the award in 2017 to honor her 30 years of service to KDE.
A selection committee made up of KDE employees reviewed and rated this year’s nominations.
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