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Kyla Lifferith honored as BCSC 2026 Teacher of the Year
Summary
Kyla Lifferith, a music teacher noted for creating a modern-band program and a 'battle of the bands' at Clifty Creek Elementary, was named Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation teacher of the year on Aug. 10 and received a recognition check from the BCSF foundation.
Doctor Collins announced Kyla Lifferith as the 2026 Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation teacher of the year at the board meeting on Aug. 10 and the board showed a recognition video. "Kyla is an innovative teacher of music," Doctor Collins said, highlighting her work at Clifty Creek Elementary and her move this year to Columbus East High School.
Lifferith accepted the award and described how she turned student interest in guitar into a classroom program during COVID, using donated instruments and community volunteers to build a modern‑band curriculum and an annual 'battle of the bands.' "This honor belongs to all of Clifty Creek," Lifferith said, thanking fellow teachers, administrators and her husband for support. A representative of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation presented a check to support her classroom and invited foundation members to visit.
Board members congratulated Lifferith and noted previous district finalists: administration said last year’s teacher‑of‑the‑year, Amelia Shaw, had reached the state top 10 and would interview for the state competition the following week. The board framed the recognition as part of a multi‑year effort to support nominations for state awards and to celebrate instructional innovation.
