Already a life-long advocate of teachers and the teaching profession, Liz Anstine knew when her name was called as the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year, the real work was about to begin.  

“At that moment, I thought, ‘Well, here we go. I need to keep advocating.’” 

The Leavenworth High School business teacher was chosen from a field of eight regional finalists on Sept. 28, in Wichita.  

“I think I was picked for a reason,” Anstine said when reflecting on the moment when Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson and 2024 KTOY Taylor Bussinger announced she would be the next Kansas Teacher of the Year. “I didn’t come from privilege. I wasn’t always recognized even when I worked hard. I’ve never had this experience, not even in the corporate world.”  

Anstine, of Overland Park, who has been teaching business marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance courses at Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth USD 453, for the past 12 years, is best known for her leadership and mentoring. Previously, she spent nearly 20 years in senior corporate marketing and as a Junior Achievement volunteer in Kansas City’s inner-city schools. She also volunteered extensively in Olathe USD 233 where her children attended. 

Anstine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business education from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. 

As someone who entered the teaching profession later than many educators, Anstine said she wants to continue mentoring young teachers and those who think they have something to contribute to the classroom. 

“I didn’t have that dream until I was 40,” she said. “I want them to know they’ll be rewarded when they set out to do great things. I just want to be an example that anyone can rise to the occasion.” 

Anstine said she has received dozens of messages and flowers after the news broke she had been chosen as the next Kansas Teacher of the Year. What her students have said to her has been the most meaningful, she said. 

“Kids have come by and said, ‘You deserve this.’ That has meant the most,” she said.  

Her students’ sentiments have been the most cherished, Anstine said, because she invests her time and effort into making sure they take advantage of opportunities and wants them to be successful.  

“I have a passion for people,” she said. “I got that from my parents. I’ve always had a strong work ethic. I also got that from my parents. I want to do more for these kids.” 

Anstine said the most special part of the KTOY banquet was having her uncle, Duane Anstine, a class of 2009 inductee of the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame who once taught in Buhler and Hutchinson schools, attend as her guest. She said a former student of his, now a teacher, approached him and told him what a difference he had made in her life.  

Even with all the accolades and well wishes she received that night, Anstine said the moment between her uncle and his former student was by far the best of the evening.  

“That’s what education is all about,” she said. “It’s about people thanking people.” 

Click here to read more about how Anstine was chosen as the Kansas Teacher of the Year and about the 2025 KTOY team.