News Center

This page offers a variety of resources from the Kansas State Department of Education to keep you informed and connected. Here you’ll find news releases, newsletters, awards and recognition programs, publications, reports, videos, podcasts, listserv communications, and social media updates. These resources share important information, celebrate achievements, and provide insights into policies and initiatives that support education across Kansas.

News Releases

Two teachers named Region 3 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

OVERLAND PARK —Corinne Flynn, a fourth grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary School, Paola USD 368, and Audrey Gilroy, an art teacher at Westridge Middle School, Shawnee Mission USD 512, were named Region 3 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of...

Apr 19, 2026

Region 2 Finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year: Alexandra Vahsholtz

Two teachers named Region 2 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

TOPEKA — Dawn Smith, an English language arts teacher at Atchison High School, Atchison USD 409, and Alexandra Vahsholtz, a fifth grade teacher at Village Elementary School, Emporia USD 253, were named Region 2 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher...

Apr 19, 2026

Region 1 Finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year: Alayna Mancillas and Scott Glass

Two teachers named Region 1 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

SALINA —Scott Glass, a chemistry and engineering teacher at Garden City High School, Garden City USD 457, and Alayna Mancillas, a preschool teacher at Hickok Elementary School, Ulysses USD 214, were named Region 1 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher...

Apr 18, 2026

Two teachers named Region 4 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

WICHITA — Brandy Lane, an English language arts teacher at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Goddard USD 265, and Danielle Ricke, an early childhood teacher at Southwest Elementary School, Pratt USD 382, were named Region 4 finalists for the 2027...

Apr 18, 2026

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Podcasts

The Homework Debate: Helpful or Outdated?

In this episode, we explore the role of homework, what the research says and how schools are working to balance academic expectations with student well-being.

Apr 16, 2026

Beyond the Diploma – What Parents Should Know About Readiness for Life After High School

Graduation is an important milestone, but true success after high school requires more than earning a diploma. In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore what it really means for students to be ready for life after graduation.

Mar 12, 2026

Career and Technical Education: What It Really Looks Like Today

On this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson talks with education leaders about how Career and Technical Education (CTE) helps students prepare for life after high school.

Feb 12, 2026

How Kansas Funds Schools and Why It Matters for Families

School funding can feel complicated and disconnected from the classroom, but it plays a major role in the opportunities students experience every day.

Jan 16, 2026

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Videos

Kansas State Board of Education Meeting KSDE LiveMedia Graphic with closed captioning is available on this stream

KSBE Meeting March 11, 2026

Mar 11, 2026

KSBE Meeting March 10, 2026

Mar 10, 2026

KSBE Meeting Feb. 11, 2026

Feb 11, 2026

KSBE Meeting Feb. 10, 2026

Feb 10, 2026

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