Kansas Teacher of the Year Teams

The Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) program recognizes and utilizes excellent K–12 educators as leaders in improving student performance and the teaching profession. Sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), it identifies exemplary teachers through a process involving local, regional, and state-level competition. The selected Teacher of the Year acts as an ambassador for Kansas education and becomes the state's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year award.

Congratulations to the 2027 KTOY Finalists!

Graphic announcing Kansas Teacher of the Year finalists, showing four regions with headshots and names of eight educators, their schools and districts, Kansas State Department of Education branding, and the hashtag #KTOY27

For more information on all finalists, see the list below in alphabetical order.

2027 KTOY Finalists

2026 KTOY Team

Photo of Rachel Marlow
Rachel Marlow
Kansas Teacher of the Year
Grades K-5

Olathe USD 233
Central Elementary School
305 E. Cedar St.

Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: (913) 780-7370

 

Photo of Tracie Betz
Tracie Betz
Regional Teacher of the Year
Preschool

Quinter USD 293
Quinter Elementary School
P.O. Box 540
Quinter, KS 67752

Phone: (785) 754-3741

Photo of Jason Peters
 Jason Peters
Regional Teacher of the Year
Grades 9-12 Math

Hesston USD 460
Hesston High School
200 N. Ridge Rd.

Hesston, KS 67062

Phone: (620) 327-7122

Photo of Susan Rogers
Susan Rogers
Regional Teacher of the Year
Grade 1

Derby USD 260
Derby Hills Elementary School
2230 N. Woodlawn
Derby, KS 67037

Phone: (316) 788-8540

Photo of Lauren Sage
Lauren Sage
Regional Teacher of the Year
Grades 9-12 Biology and
Environmental Science

Kansas City USD 500
F. L. Schlagle High School
2214 N. 59th St.
Kansas City, KS 66104

Phone: (913) 627-7500

Photo of Julie Smith
Julie Smith
Regional Teacher of the Year
Grades 9-12 Business
and Digital Media

Santa Fe Trail USD 434
Santa Fe Trail High School
15701 S. California Ave.
Carbondale, KS 66414

Phone: (800) 836-9525

Photo of Troy St. Clair
Troy St. Clair
Regional Teacher of the Year
Pre-K-5 Physical Education

Topeka USD 501
Scott Dual Language Magnet
401 SE Market St.
Topeka, KS 66607

Phone: (785) 235-7480

Photo of Tranda Strnad
Tranda Strnad
Regional Teacher of the Year
Grades 7-12 Art

Republic County USD 109
Republic County High School
24th and P Street
Belleville, KS 66935

Phone: (785) 527-2281

Veteran Teams

KTOY: 2026-1955

List by Decades

For more information, contact:

Tamla Miller
(785) 296-4950