Rachel Marlow was named the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year on Sept. 20, at the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet, in Wichita. 

Rachel Marlow is still coming to terms with, in her words, the “shock and awe” of becoming the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year. 

“I was just so honored to be chosen and recognized in a room full of outstanding educators,” the Olathe USD 233 elementary music teacher said about the moment her name was read on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet. “It’s humbling. The full scope of it probably hasn’t hit me just yet.”  

Marlow’s nomination as Kansas Teacher of the Year included several letters of support with a common theme: Her commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive musical classroom where children feel welcomed, respected and honored for their unique backgrounds, talents and abilities. 

“Our kids may struggle in academics or maybe have a hard time finding their place in school,” she said. “The arts is a place that they can come and find a passion and find some joy in their day. They find community. They find acceptance.”  

While navigating her own hearing impairment, Marlow has built a career teaching special education, general music, vocal music, and instrumental music. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oklahoma City University and a master’s degree in special education from MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe. She is currently teaching at Central Elementary School in Olathe USD 233. 

Marlow and the seven other finalists who comprise the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year team took the reins from the 2025 KTOY team over the weekend during educational activities in Wichita. She said she and the team are excited about hitting the road and spreading the excitement about being a teacher across Kansas, whether the message is heard by veteran educators or those who are just thinking about becoming a teacher. 

“It’s all about igniting and inspiring,” she said. “Finding that spark that brings you joy and lights you up. There is no greater career than teaching to ignite those passions and to inspire others and really make an impact on tomorrow.”  

In addition to hearing from former teachers, students and colleagues, Marlow said she’s received congratulatory messages from those in the education field she doesn’t know or hasn’t met yet, all of which have reminded her of why she wanted to become a teacher. 

“When these connections are made,” she said, “it just makes teaching all the more worthwhile.” 

Click here to read more about Marlow and what the Kansas Teacher of the Year award entails.