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Our press releases provide timely, accurate information about key initiatives, policy updates, and important events in Kansas education. They serve as an official source for news and announcements from the Kansas State Department of Education, helping educators, families, and communities stay informed about developments that impact schools statewide.
Two teachers named Region 4 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year
Apr 18, 2026
by Denise KahlerAnnouncement made during Saturday ceremony in Wichita
This award recognizes excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. The KTOY Region 4 awards Banquet took place at the Wichita Marriott Hotel, 9100 Corporate Hills Drive, Wichita.
As finalists for the KTOY distinction, Lane and Ricke each will receive a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, the major corporate partner for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. In addition, they each are now eligible to be named Kansas Teacher of the Year, which will be announced during a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Wichita.
Lane and Ricke were among six KTOY semifinalists from Region 4, which covers the 4th U.S. Congressional district.
Other KTOY semifinalists were Teresa Nash, a first grade teacher at Remington Elementary School, Remington-Whitewater USD 206; Kennedy Beck, a third grade teacher at West Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262; Elizabeth Gunn, an honors world history and sociology teacher at Newton High School, Newton USD 373; and Lindsay Cooper, a physical education and health teacher at El Dorado Middle School, El Dorado USD 490.
Each of the semifinalists will receive a red marble apple with a wooden base, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan.
This year, 142 educators across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction.
Nominations are made in each of the four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and business representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region.
Each panel selects six semifinalists - three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.
The mission of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.
Members of the KTOY team, comprised of the Teacher of the Year and state finalists, serve as ambassadors for education in Kansas, making public appearances across the state promoting education and the teaching profession.
The individual selected as the Kansas Teacher of the Year is eligible for national distinction as National Teacher of the Year.
The National Teacher of the Year program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with the Voya Foundation.
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