News release
At an awards ceremony during the Summer Membership meeting of the Kansas Association of Special Education Administrators on July 27, Kelly Ackerman was awarded the 2022 Kansas Special Education Professional of the Year. Mrs. Ackerman is a special education teacher at Hays High School.
This recognition is highly deserved because of Mrs. Ackerman’s dedication to her students, her high quality teaching, and her commitment to supporting the teachers and paraeducators who work alongside her. Mrs. Ackerman is entering her 22nd year of teaching special education at Hays High School. Her nomination was supported by her peers and administrators who shared multiple examples of how she demonstrates excellence in her role.
Kelly is the heart and soul of our special education department," said Nichole Lind, Hays High School psychologist. "In a building of 12 special educators, Kelly pulls us all together as a team.”
Jeana Dinkel, Hays High special education teacher, said, “Kelly works well as a team with general education staff throughout the building. She takes an interest if everything going on at Hays High and works to build relationships. You can see this in her daily interactions throughout the building, and this positively impacts the students as she works with the general education staff to meet the needs of her students.”
WCKSEC Assistant Director of Special Education Lindy McDaniel said, “I have observed her passion and dedication in numerous general education and special education meetings. She is a teacher leader who encourages her peers and building administration in way that is kind, empathetic and graceful.”
The West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative serves students with exceptionalities within the USD 489 Hays, USD 395 LaCrosse, USD 388 Ellis, and USD 432 Victoria school districts. WCKSEC is committed to providing a meaningful and accessible learning experience for every student, every day.