Jennifer M. Farr, a fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Junction City, and Lori J. Stratton, a high school English and reading teacher at Wamego High School, were named Region 1 finalists for the 2017 Kansas Teacher of the Year award during a ceremony held Saturday, Sept. 10, in Salina. This award recognizes excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state.
As finalists for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction, Farr and Stratton each received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, the major corporate partner for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. In addition, they are each now eligible to be named Kansas Teacher of the Year, which will be announced during ceremonies in Wichita on Nov. 19.
Farr and Stratton were among six Teacher of the Year semifinalists from Region 1, which
covers the first U.S. congressional district.
Other semifinalists were John Wolters, a sixth-grade mathematics and English/writing teacher at Amanda Arnold Elementary School in Manhattan.
Each of the semifinalists received a red marble apple with a wooden base, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan.
This year, 103 educators across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction.
Nominations are made in each of four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education, sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region.
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 teachingprofession.
The Kansas Teacher of the Year 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.
