Brian Skinner, the 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year, joined other 2023 State Teachers of the Year this week in Washington, D.C., for the National Teacher of the Year Program Washington Week, an event hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers. 

Skinner is an interrelated special education teacher at Newton High School, Newton Unified School District 373. He was announced as the 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year in September 2022.  

On April 19, CCSSO named Rebecka Peterson, a high school math teacher in Oklahoma, as the 2023 National Teacher of the Year. Peterson, Skinner and other 2023 State Teachers of the Year were honored Monday, April 24, at the White House. 

On Thursday evening, the teachers will attend a gala. 

The group of teachers also toured the Smithsonian and attended a reception at the White House during their week in Washington, D.C. 

While a highlight for him was visiting the White House, Skinner also enjoyed spending time with the 54 other teachers. At one point, the group participated in “Lightning Lessons,” where each teacher had 10 minutes to share about their classroom. 

“It has been amazing,” Skinner said Thursday afternoon. “Being able to connect with them (other teachers) has been inspirational. We have been able to bond because of our passion and visions.” 

On Monday, Skinner wrote the following on Twitter: “How do I summarize today? It will likely take a while before I can really do it justice. But today, I had an experience of being able to represent Kansas at the White House and on a national scale. I participated in a Teacher Talk, hosted by First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. I met President Biden, was able to hear inspirational words from the 2023 National Teacher of the Year in the Rose Garden, attended a White House reception with my 2023 Teacher of the Year friends, was interviewed by news stations in the White House lawn, and so much more. 

“It was a day I’ll never forget, and I hope I was able to echo the message of inclusion, ensuring everybody can be seen, eliminating stigmas, and working together as a community of public educators to build a better future for all. When we elevate teachers, we elevate learning, both celebrating and bringing joy to the profession. Today that happened, and I thank all who were a part of it.” 

While many of the teachers plan to depart Washington, D.C., Friday, Skinner will spend a few more days visiting with family members who live in the area. 

“I’m going to take a little time to visit family and decompress,” he said. 

Congratulations, Brian!