Virtual ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Sunday
Kansas State Department of Education
What: Recognition of teachers nominated for 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year program and announcement of semifinalists and finalists for the program.
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, 109 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. The 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year State Awards Banquet will be Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at the Wichita Marriott Hotel.
The 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year Regional Award Events will take place virtually. All events may be viewed live through YouTube. Links are provided below.
When: Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27.
Saturday, March 26:
- Region 1 – Awards Event 1-3 p.m.
YouTube link for live coverage of the Region 1 event https://youtu.be/1yRLn2Lg5h8
- Region 4 – Awards Event 4-6 p.m.
YouTube link for live coverage of the Region 4 event: https://youtu.be/Xlt99l_NefE
Sunday, March 27:
- Region 2 - Awards Event 1-3 p.m.
YouTube link for live coverage of the Region 2 event: https://youtu.be/bssEMiPbEH0
- Region 3 - Awards Event 4-6 p.m.
YouTube link for live coverage of the Region 3 event:
Region 1 Nominees
Elementary:
Andrea Dix, math and science, Stockton Elementary School, Stockton USD 271.
Abraham Marintzer, fifth grade, North Elementary School, Goodland USD 352.
Dara Touslee, kindergarten, Park Elementary School, Great Bend USD 428.
Secondary:
Joseph Bliven, science, Great Bend Middle School, Great Bend USD 428.
Megan Riener, vocal and instrumental music, Stockton High School, Stockton USD 271.
Emily Stefan, vocal music teacher, Goodland Junior-Senior High School, Goodland USD 352.