Kansas Teacher of the Year Program

The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

The Kansas Teacher of the Year program consists of local, regional and state competition.The regions correspond to the state’s four U.S. congressional districts.

The Kansas State Department of Education appoints regional selection committees responsible for reviewing the nomination forms and selecting three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers designated as semifinalists. Two regional finalists, one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher, are chosen from among these six teachers. Regional selection committees are comprised of education administrators and teachers.

Nomination

2025 Kansas Teacher of The Year Nomination Form will be available August 2024.

2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Congratulations 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Taylor Bussinger

  • Taylor Bussinger, Olathe USD 233

Kansas Regional Teachers of the Year

  • Cherryl Delacruz, Topeka USD 501
  • Gretchen Elliott, Smoky Valley USD 400
  • Joanna Farmer, Wichita USD 259
  • Melissa Haney, Goddard USD 265
  • Erin Pittenger, Rock Creek USD 323
  • Michelle Tapko, Shawnee Mission USD 512
  • Fonda Telthorst, Piper-Kansas City USD 203

Visit the Kansas Teacher of the Year Team webpage for more information.

Kansas Teacher of the Year logo 

Mark your calendars!

2025 Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet
Sept. 28, 2024
Marriott Hotel, Wichita, KS

For more information about the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, please contact:

Tamla Miller
(785) 296-4950
tmiller@ksde.org


Communications and Recognition Programs Team Director

Denise Kahler
(785) 296-4876
​dkahler@ksde.org

 

KTOY Team Links

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