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More than 120 teachers nominated for the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year program will be recognized at ceremonies across the state this weekend and next.
The announcement of semifinalists and finalists for the program will be made at these ceremonies.
The mission of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.
This year, 124 educators from across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. Nominations are made in each of the four congressional districts in the state.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region.
Each panel selects six semifinalists – three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.
All eight regional finalists will gather Saturday, Sept. 23, in Wichita at the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet for the announcement of the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year.
Every year, the Kansas Teacher of the Year is available through the Hubbard Foundation Kansas Teacher of the Year Ambassadorship to conduct workshops for school personnel, visit with teams of teachers or serve as a keynote speaker for school districts. The Kansas Teacher of the Year, as well as the other seven regional finalists, comprise the Kansas Teacher of the Year Team. The team is also available to give presentations across the state.
KSDE began administering the Kansas Teacher of the Year program in 1992.
Each Kansas Teacher of the Year is eligible for national distinction as a National Teacher of the Year through the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
Tabatha Rosproy, the 2020 Kansas Teacher of the Year, was the latest Kansan to receive the national distinction. She was named the 2020 National Teacher of the Year and was the first early childhood educator to be named a finalist since 1991. Marjorie French, who was a math teacher at Topeka High School, Topeka USD 501, also received the national title in 1962.
Past finalists from Kansas include Joshua Anderson, 2007 (speech and debate, language arts, Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe USD 233); Ronald Poplau, 2006 (community service, Shawnee Mission High School, Shawnee Mission USD 512); Tracy Taylor Callard, 2002 (elementary, Wichita Collegiate School); Darla Mallein, 1998 (American history, Emporia Middle School, Emporia USD 253).
The 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Regional Award Banquets will take place March 25 and 26 and April 1 at locations throughout Kansas. See the listing below:
When: Saturday, March 25, Sunday, March 26, and Saturday, April 1.
Saturday, March 25:
Sunday, March 26:
Saturday, April 1:
This year’s nominees are listed below, along with the name of their school and their district.
Region 1
Elementary
Secondary
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
In this edition | Feature Story | Assessments and Accountability | Reporting and Operations Standards and Instruction | Student Health and Nutrition | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition
Questions about this page contact:
Denise Kahler (785) 296-4876 dkahler@ksde.org
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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.org or by 785-296-3201.