Exemplary Educator Talent Pool

The Kansas State Department of Education invites public and private school districts to participate in the Kansas Exemplary Educator Talent Pool. The goal of this program is to identify outstanding educators for special recognition, alternating between elementary (pre-K-5) and secondary (6-12) every year. 

Nomination Process

District officials are encouraged to nominate deserving educators. Recommendations should identify educators who are valued by their school and community and who may ultimately receive prestigious state and national recognition.

  • Kansas Exemplary Educator Talent Pool Application (see form below)
  • Information Sheet (PDF)

Additional Information

What is the goal of the program?

This program recognizes individuals who:

  • Have a positive impact on their students, colleagues and the school community.
  • Possess a clear vision for quality teaching and learning.
  • May ultimately receive prestigious state or national recognition.

Who can be recommended for the award?

Exemplary elementary (grades K-5) teachers, specialists and principals from Kansas public and private schools who have:

  • Taught for at least five years and not more than 18.
  • Demonstrated exceptional teaching and leadership abilities.
  • Educators whose contributions to education are largely unheralded, yet worthy of the spotlight (educators who are state or regional Kansas Teachers of the Year or National Presidential Awards finalists aren’t eligible).

How do I submit my recommendations?

  • Administrators complete the online Kansas Exemplary Educator Talent Pool Application for each nominee. 

Should I notify candidates?

  • Your recommendation is confidential and shouldn’t be shared with the individual being recommended.

As always, we appreciate your collaboration in recognizing the great work of Kansas’ outstanding educators.

Candidate Recommendation Form

THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL PROCESS. INDIVIDUALS CANNOT BE AWARE OF THIS RECOMMENDATION.

Please use this form to recommend an outstanding K–12 teacher, principal, assistant principal, or specialist who is early‑ to mid‑career and meets the criteria listed below.

Eligibility Criteria

Recommended educators should:

  • Demonstrate exceptional talent through effective instruction and strong student learning results.
  • Show exemplary accomplishments beyond the classroom that serve as models for the profession.
  • Make significant contributions to education that deserve greater recognition.
  • Be early‑ to mid‑career with strong long‑term leadership potential.
  • Have an inspiring presence that positively impacts students, colleagues, and the community.

Career‑Stage Requirements

  • Teachers: 5–18 years of experience
    Principals/Assistant Principals: First 10 years as an administrator and no more than 20 years total experience
  • Not Eligible: Educators who earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the 1990s through 2006
  • Educators must have the potential to remain in the profession for at least 25 more years

Recommended Educator



Occupation
Subjects taught





Ethnicity

Select a choice

 

 

School District Information









Supervisor information






 

 

References

Please provide three references (names and phone numbers). These individuals:

  • Will be contacted
  • Should know the educator well and be able to describe how they meet the criteria
  • Should currently work with the educator or have done so within the past year
  • May not be parents or school secretaries

Important: References are typically contacted during the summer months when schools are closed.

Please provide home phone numbers and home email addresses for all three references.






* Summer months contact information.







* Summer months contact information.







* Summer months contact information.


 

 

Educator Rating

Rate the educator from 1–10 (10 being the highest) on each of the four criteria. Provide detailed, specific explanations for your ratings, including examples whenever possible. Evidence of student achievement and value‑added impact is especially important.

 

 

Evidence

 

 

Education

Please note: Educators who earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the 1990s through 2006 are not eligible for the KSDE Recognition Programs Bank.
















 

 

Letter of Recommendation

A one‑page recommendation letter written by the person submitting this form.

The letter must describe how the educator meets the criteria

Recommended educators should:

  • Demonstrate exceptional talent through effective instruction and strong student learning results.
  • Show exemplary accomplishments beyond the classroom that serve as models for the profession.
  • Make significant contributions to education that deserve greater recognition.
  • Be early‑ to mid‑career with strong long‑term leadership potential.
  • Have an inspiring presence that positively impacts students, colleagues, and the community.

It should include specific, descriptive examples that help the candidate stand out and support a strong case for a national‑level award

You may upload a PDF of the recommendation letter

OR

enter the content directly into the form.

 

Candidate's Résumé

The candidate’s résumé must include:

  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Professional contributions
  • Awards
  • Professional memberships

You may upload a PDF of the résumé 

OR

enter the content directly into the form.

 

 

 

 

For more information, contact:

Tamla Miller
(785) 296-4950