As Teacher Appreciation Week begins to wrap up, the members of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year team wanted to show their appreciation for the educators who inspire them to be better teachers.  

Amber Pagan, early childhood educator at Nieman Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512, said she is “impressed every day” with Leena Hammouda, a sixth-grade teacher in her school.  

“She is amazing because she has high expectations for her students and thinks of creative ways to keep them engaged in school,” Pagan said. “She also does a great job of connecting with her students by building relationships with them. She is also a supportive co-worker. I know I can share concerns with her, and she will help me solve them.” 

Ben Eckelberry, a first-grade teacher at Tecumseh North Elementary School, Shawnee Heights USD 450, said Amy Smith, a special education teacher in his building, is “easily one of the most talented and hard-working teachers I've ever worked with” who has a “calming presence” and “she makes both students and staff feel immediately at ease.” 

“I could speak at length about Amy's dedication, or how she doesn't bat an eye when she has to rework her schedule to provide the required minutes for her students,” Eckelberry said. “I just want her to know that she is genuinely appreciated, and I feel so lucky to have worked and learned alongside her.” 

Eckelberry said Smith has invested time and effort into assembling “one of the strongest paraprofessional teams I've ever had the pleasure of working with.”  

“I have never been more supported by ESPs in my classroom, which speaks both to the individuals on the team, and also to how much Amy is able to support the staff working with her until they are able to find success.” 

Whitney Aves, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson USD 308, said Karie Ohnmacht, a fellow FACS teacher at Hutchinson High School, “makes a positive difference in the lives of students by teaching them valuable life skills.” 

“She provides a caring and supportive learning environment and serves as an FCCLA advisor which helps students build leadership skills,” Aves said. “Students feel safe and loved in her classroom and often stay in contact with her years after they have graduated.” 

Ohnmacht has also been an “unofficial mentor teacher” to Aves since Aves began teaching.  

“She helps me think through lesson plans and projects, is a cheerleader for me on the hard days that come along with teaching and always has a positive attitude each and every day.” 

Ryan Mellick, industrial arts teacher at Bonner Springs High School, Bonner Springs USD 204, said Dan Burns, a welding teacher he works alongside, “has a huge heart for the students.”  

“He helps them out with life lessons as well as teaches them a skill for a career,” Mellick said. “He’s also always ready to help staff. He is a person you can call when you need help, and he will stop what he is doing to come help you out.”   

Maegen Stucky, a fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, McPherson USD 418, said Ashley McAllister, another fifth-grade teacher in her school, embodies the “heart and soul of education” and makes their school “a better place every single day.” 

“She sets high expectations for her students,” Stucky said, “but what makes her extraordinary is the way she guides them every step of the way. She believes in their potential—even when they don’t yet see it in themselves—and she helps them rise to the challenge with patience and care.” 

Outside of the classroom, Stucky said, McAllister is “a powerhouse contributor to our school and district.” 

“Actively involved in several committees, she brings thoughtful insight and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does,” Stucky said. 

Olivia Winegeart, a second-grade teacher at Paul B. Cooper Elementary School, Derby USD 260, said Carrie Rodriguez, a fourth-grade teacher in her building, is “an expert veteran educator whom I have long admired” who is also “a wonderful colleague, mentor to new teachers, and a solid anchor in our school.” 

“She brings expertise and intention to her classroom, striking a skillful balance between high expectations and strong relationships with her students,” Winegeart said. “Her deep content knowledge, commitment to student growth, and dedication to her craft make her an amazing teacher and leader.”  

As the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Liz Anstine, a business teacher at Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth USD 453, met educators across the state and heard why they are teachers. She said three Gardner Edgerton High School teachers “are shaping thoughtful, capable and empowered students.” 

Anstine said Shannon Carriger, an English language arts teacher, “helps students refine their writing skills while guiding them to understand their civic responsibilities and engage meaningfully with their communities.” She said Gretl Shelton, a speech teacher, “is extraordinary at helping students reflect, speak with authenticity, and find confidence in their voice.” Jaylene Freeman, Anstine said, “works diligently (as the school’s real-world learning coordinator) to connect students with hands-on experiences to ensure every graduate leaves with meaningful, market-ready skills.” 

When visiting Arkansas City Middle School, Arkansas City USD 470, Anstine said she visited with Angie Ruhle, a special education teacher who works with students with intellectual disabilities. 

“She believes deeply in her students’ ability to learn and grow, and her unwavering support helps them thrive academically and personally,” Anstine said. “In Angie’s classroom, progress is celebrated, no matter how big or small, and students gain self-confidence through her encouragement.” 

Closer to home, Anstine said Heather Waters, a journalism teacher at Leavenworth High School, “is an outstanding career and technical education teacher whose dedication to student journalism is unmatched.” 

“Heather can be found at nearly every sporting and fine arts event, camera in hand, working side-by-side with students to capture unforgettable moments,” Anstine said. “Thanks to her tireless effort and mentorship, her students consistently produce award-winning hardbound yearbooks. As a DECA assistant advisor and CTE leader, she helps students master real-world skills like critical thinking and professional communication.” 

Thank you, Kansas teachers, for all your hard work, dedication to your students and your willingness to help your fellow educators. You are appreciated beyond words.