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The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Every school district is encouraged to nominate one exemplary elementary classroom teacher and one exemplary secondary classroom teacher for this prestigious award.
Not only does participating in this program demonstrate that your district values exceptional teaching, you will be providing critical professional development opportunities for your nominees. Participants say year after year this program is life-changing and has made them better teachers.
Principals and superintendents do not submit a nomination entry form identifying their candidate(s) but will be required to approve and sign the nomination form completed by their candidate(s).
The 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination packet is available here: https://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Communications/2026%20KTOY%20Nomination%20-%20Updated_8-27-2024.pdf?ver=2024-08-28-092728-817
While district nominees may begin working on the application now, all nominations must be submitted using KSDE’s Kansas Teacher of the Year online authenticated application program, which is open now and closes Nov. 8.
Instructions for accessing the online application can be found here https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-Teacher-of-the-Year-Awards
For more information, contact Tamla Miller, tmiller@ksde.org, or (785) 296-4950.
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.