Long-time Owensboro Public Schools educator Linda Kingsley has been announced as an inductee into the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. Kingsley has been a fixture in OPS since the early 1960s, teaching English and debate in addition to serving in other roles.
Kingsley, who began at Owensboro High School in 1962, was nominated by five of her former students and former interim superintendent Anita Burnette. She will join the ranks of Kentucky educators who have left a lasting impact on the field, having taught multiple generations in her more than five decades in education.
“I feel very undeserving of this honor,” Kingsley said, humbled by the recognition. “It’s overwhelming, but I’ve had so much support along the way — from administrators, colleagues, and friends in the school system.”
Kingsley’s teaching journey began when she was a student at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where she completed her student teaching at Owensboro Senior High. After graduation, she started her full-time teaching career there and never looked back.
“I’ve seen multiple generations come through,” Kingsley said. “I taught children of former students, and now I’m even teaching their grandchildren. It’s been fascinating.”
Her dedication to education extends far beyond the classroom. Kingsley served as a mentor and role model, not only for her students but for her colleagues. She continues to support the district by working as a substitute teacher, even after her official retirement.
Chris Gaddis, executive director of the Owensboro Public Schools Foundation, shared how Kingsley’s influence reached far beyond academics.
“She’s like a second mother to me,” Gaddis said. “She helped me study for the ACT, and even years later, she proofread my dissertation for my doctoral degree. She’s always been there, not just as a teacher but as someone who genuinely cares.”
Gaddis also recalled how Kingsley was able to reach both the brightest students and those who faced academic challenges. He shared how she excelled not only in the regular classroom but also during summer school sessions, where she worked with students who needed to recover credits.
“Linda was known for preparing the top students for college,” Gaddis said. “But she could also flip the script and work with students who were struggling. She touched every student she encountered, no matter their level.”
He said Kingsley’s passion for teaching never waned. Even during the years when she stepped away from the classroom to focus on her own children, she remained connected to education.
“I’ve always loved school,” Kingsley said. “On the years I didn’t teach, I would drive by the school on the first day just to feel that excitement again. I love learning, and I’ve learned so much from my students over the years.”
The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame was established in 2000 to honor educators who have made significant contributions to the profession. Kingsley’s induction is a testament to her lifelong dedication to education and the countless lives she has touched.
As she reflects on her career, Kingsley remains modest about her accomplishments, attributing her success to the support she received from mentors like Louise Brody, who helped guide her early in her career.
“I had wonderful mentors who got me off on the right track,” Kingsley said. “This honor isn’t just mine — it belongs to everyone who helped me along the way.”
