The 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) team is now set with the eight finalists announced during four regional events earlier this month in Topeka, Overland Park, Wichita and Salina. The four regions align with the four Kansas congressional districts. 

As part of the application process, the finalists submitted answers to several questions that ranged from describing a content lesson or unit that defines them as a teacher, what project or initiative they’ve been involved in that impacts their school community’s culture to how they demonstrate being a lifelong learner, leader and innovator. The finalists’ answers to some of these questions can be read below. 

The applications also have at least three letters from people who have a front row seat to witness how these educators show they are deserving of ultimately becoming the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year during a ceremony in September. Excerpts from these letters can be found below as well.   

Tracie Betz – Region 1 elementary finalist 

Tracie Betz has been an early childhood special education teacher for the past 24 years. She currently works for the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center (NKESC) and is assigned to Quinter Elementary, Quinter USD 293.  

Betz said the NKESC received a grant for Project EVERS (Ending Violence and its Effects in Rural Schools) to create trauma-informed classrooms in Quinter USD 293. The grant made it possible for Betz to complete college-level courses so she could earn a trauma-informed program certificate. She was then able to train her NKESC and USD 293 colleagues in trauma-informed practices. 

The project, Betz said, has led to fewer disciplinary issues and office referrals for students needing extra social-emotional or behavioral support and has “significantly shifted our school culture” with positive outcomes continuing after the project concluded.   

“Staff gained a deeper awareness of trauma’s effects and the importance of building trust and positive relationships,” Betz said. “This shift encouraged staff to prioritize understanding students’ backgrounds and needs to better support them in the classroom. Teachers noted that fostering positive relationships and improving students' self-concept had a transformative impact on classroom attitudes and behavior.” 

Betz’s efforts to build bridges among students, staff and families for the benefit of children haven’t gone unnoticed. 

Kurt Brown, superintendent of Quinter USD 293, said Betz is able to “successfully manage any issue or problem related to the education of a child.” 

“Her child-first, issues-focused perspective efficiently builds coalitions of educators, parents and community members in creating student-centered, success-oriented solutions to educational obstacles,” he said. 

Tranda Strnad, Region 1 secondary finalist  

Tranda Strnad has been an art teacher for the past 16 years, most recently at Republic County Junior Senior High School, Republic County USD 109. She is the Region 1 KTOY finalist in the secondary category. 

Strnad said a content lesson that defines her as a teacher is a unit she teaches annually about the stages of drawing. She said the unit highlights how drawing skills follow brain development, “from childhood scribbles to more advanced forms of expression.” 

“It levels the playing field, emphasizing that no one is ‘born’ an artist, but rather, artistic ability is something that develops over time,” Strnad said. “Students often tell me that this lesson made them feel more confident, not just in their drawing abilities, but in their capacity to learn and grow in any subject. For some, it even shifts their perspective on how they will support their future children’s creativity, making the lesson even more meaningful.” 

Strnad’s ability to bring out the artist in every one of her students and teach other art teachers to do the same is a unique gift, according to Alan Sheets, assistant administrator for Republic County Junior Senior High School.  

“She has taught her students the ability to open up and critique one another’s artwork,” he said. “This vulnerability is welcomed by her students as she continually shows them the personal growth that takes place each time this occurs. This type of engagement by her students also translates in other classes as they have learned to apply this in other disciplines.” 

Troy St. Clair – Region 2 KTOY elementary finalist 

Troy St. Clair has been a physical education teacher for the past 19 years, most recently as a consulting teacher for elementary physical education for Topeka USD 501 at Scott Dual Language Magnet. 

St. Clair said one of the areas of physical education he focuses on is providing “an opportunity for students who may not excel in traditional PE settings to shine in other ways.” 

“We focus on a variety of skills, giving all students a chance to succeed on their own terms,” he said. “The gym becomes a place where students can work together, try their best, and enjoy the process of learning something new. This focus on inclusivity and fun is why students love coming to the gym—not to be the fastest or the strongest, but to be part of something special.” 

St. Clair spearheads a “haunted gym” and “winter wonderland” that involves the entire Scott Dual Language Magnet community, giving students the chance to engage in activity stations during the fall holidays. This is in addition to the year-long integration of math, technology, reading development and geography into his PE classes. 

Diana Garcia Silva, a former Scott Dual Language Magnet student, said St. Clair has continued to make a lasting impression on her life. 

“Through games, sports, and creative challenges, he teaches us the importance of teamwork and respect for others,” she said. “These lessons extend beyond the gym, installing values that will benefit us throughout our lives. Moreover, Mr. St. Clair is not just a teacher, he is a mentor and role model. He consistently demonstrates kindness, patience, and understanding, creating a safe space where students can express themselves and grow.” 

Julie Smith, Region 2 secondary finalist  

Julie Smith entered the teaching profession 19 years ago. For the past four years, she has been the business and digital media CTE instructor at Santa Fe Trail High School, Santa Fe Trail USD 434, where she has also been the advisor for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and yearbook.  

A recurring theme Smith emphasizes that is key to student learning and engagement is creating a positive “buzz” and she challenges her fellow educators to teach with it at all times. 

“Some students come to us from healthy homes and are ready to receive this from day one, others come from harder backgrounds and have experiences causing them to build walls of protection,” she said. “If we want to create an inclusive, supportive, and resilient classroom or school culture we have to make a way to overcome these challenges. Every strong connection between a teacher and student raises the bar on a student’s capacity to learn and grow.” 

Smith not only excels in bringing out the best in her students, whether they’re on the yearbook staff or in a business class, she’s a staunch supporter of the Santa Fe Trail USD 434 community, according to Tanner Black, a USD 434 school board member. 

“Her presence as a supportive photographer and documentarian at school activities is valued by students, parents, and staff alike,” he said. “Whether her own children are involved or not, she shows up, capturing moments that have become cherished memories for the school community. Her dedication reflects a genuine care for every child and colleague she encounters.” 

Rachel Marlow – Region 3 elementary finalist 

Rachel Marlow has been a music teacher for 17 years, most recently at Central Elementary School, Olathe USD 233. She also holds a certification in special education. 

Because of her own hearing impairment, Marlow said she has strived to provide inclusive learning environments for her students. This intention for inclusiveness extends to her students’ various backgrounds and cultures. Marlow said her annual “Music and Culture” unit embodies her “commitment to inclusivity and community, highlighting my belief in the transformative power of music.” 

“This collaborative process enhances the learning experience and empowers students by validating their cultures and personal histories,” she said. “Activities are designed to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, including listening sessions, hands-on instrument playing, music and movement, and discussions on music's role in cultural expression. This involvement ensures that all students, including those with special needs, are actively engaged and supported in their learning journey.” 

Dave Powers, of the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, said Marlow is dedicated and passionate about supporting students with disabilities. 

“She creates an environment where all students can thrive, using differentiated instruction to cater to individual needs and ensuring all students have the chance to access learning opportunities,” he said. “Her approach fosters a sense of belonging, allowing each student to feel safe and supported. This commitment extends beyond her classroom, as she has taken on the important role of mentoring new special education teachers, sharing her expertise and helping them navigate the challenges of the profession.” 

Lauren Sage – Region 3 secondary finalist 

Lauren Sage has been a science teacher since 2020, most recently at F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City USD 500. 

A champion for social change, Sage is an educator who is always looking for how she can teach with inclusion to address “extremely diverse educational needs,” within the subject of science. 

“Our students all come to us with the same desires: to learn, grow, and succeed,” she said. “Navigating their paths to that success is sometimes complicated, but, after returning from COVID, I feel we have steadily built a much more welcoming and responsive culture for their progress. Transforming our school’s support for multilingual learners was a worthwhile challenge that has proved to be one of the most rewarding and impactful of my teaching career thus far.” 

New to F.L. Schlagle High School in the midst of the pandemic, Dr. Yolanda Thompson, the school’s principal, said Sage immediately began building trust with her students and got them to connect with science.  

“With her strong pedagogical skills and her care and concern for all students, she has created a safe learning environment within her room as she helps to build students’ confidence in learning science,” Dr. Thompson said. “Beyond her role as an educator, Ms. Sage’s passion about social justice adds another layer of comfort, confidence, and support in her classroom.” 

Susan Rogers – Region 4 elementary finalist 

Susan Rogers has been an elementary teacher for the past seven years, most recently at Derby Hills Elementary School, Derby USD 260. 

Within just two years into Rogers’ teaching career, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and she had to adjust to remote teaching.  

“I often felt hopelessly unsuccessful,” she said. “There were nights I asked myself how I could possibly continue if teaching looked like this in the fall.’” 

By adopting the mantra, “Challenge the comfort and find comfort in the challenge,” Rogers said she accepted a request to create videos that would air on a local Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television station for elementary-age children learning remotely at home. 

“I learned about effectively engaging students through video and had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the state’s most brilliant and creative teachers,” Rogers said. “I ultimately went on to lead professional development for my district on making engaging videos and helped teachers feel more confident as they returned to in-person and hybrid learning.”  

Faith Early has been a first-grade teacher at Derby Hills Elementary since 2023. She said Rogers tailors her teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning style, seeing the impact Rogers has every day on her students and fellow educators “and it is truly inspiring.” 

“From my very first days at Derby Hills, Susan has been a beacon of support and guidance,” Early said. “Her classroom is a vibrant space where students feel safe, engaged and motivated to learn. Susan has a unique ability to connect with students, recognizing their individual needs and fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls.” 

Jason Peters – Region 4 secondary finalist 

Jason Peters has been a math teacher for 24 years, all of which have been at Hesston High School, Hesston USD 460. 

Peters said as a math instructor, he has incorporated technology into his classroom as a teaching tool and believes it can be utilized responsibly if there is a commitment to doing so. 

“The challenge in education today is determining how to effectively use technology to benefit student learning, understanding that what is the best today may not be the best in the future,” he said. “As teachers, we need to be aware of the options that are available, not just use technology for the sake of using technology. Educators need to evolve along with technology, continuing to find ways to utilize it effectively and connect with students, while setting limits to keep it from becoming a distraction that will move students away from learning and thinking on their own.” 

Jordan Leiker, principal at Hesston High School, said Peters understands students have unique needs and breaks down complex mathematical concepts that are understood for his students. 

“Beyond academics, Mr. Peters is a mentor, a motivator, and a role model,” Leiker said. “He fosters a classroom culture where students feel respected, valued, and encouraged to take risks. His warm and approachable demeanor creates a safe and supportive learning environment, and his enthusiasm for teaching is infectious. Students frequently seek him out for guidance, not only in mathematics but also in their personal lives, illustrating the trust and respect he has earned from them.” 

The 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year will be named at an awards banquet Sept. 20, in Wichita.