Teachers of the Year from school districts across Kansas visited USD 239 North Ottawa County Public Schools this past Monday, December 8, as part of the Kansas State Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Program. The program traces its roots to former U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum, who graciously donated a portion of her U.S. Senate salary decades ago to launch the initiative with the goals of recognizing exceptional teachers, cultivating future teacher leaders, and developing strong advocates for public education.
The following teachers visited North Ottawa County Public Schools:
Alisha Brownell, Clay Center
Jamie Brokenicky, Rock Creek
Tina Brown, Rock Creek
Marissa Doll, Beloit
Whitney George, Manhattan
Ross Conner, Wamego
Leah Knitter, Clay Center
Sara McCarter, Wamego
Keri Pratt, Minneapolis
Jamie Schnee, Manhattan
Throughout the day, the educators toured Minneapolis Grade School, observing a Boys Town character development lesson in the gym and reading intervention strategies in action.
Later, the group visited downtown Minneapolis and The Farm for breakfast and coffee.
The group had the opportunity to visit Minneapolis Junior Senior High, where Mr. Flinn, the entrepreneurship instructor, informed them about student-run ventures, including vinyl banner printing, business plan development, and embroidery services, among other hands-on enterprises. Mrs. Wallace’s FFA student leaders shared information about their annual projects, and guests explored the Craftology Store led by Mrs. Noble and Mr. Renfrow.
They also had the opportunity to visit a local favorite, Rock City.
When asked what she valued the most about the Teacher of the Year Program, Keri Pratt, USD 239’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, stated, “This program is powerful because it allows teachers to learn what’s happening in a variety of districts, network, and exchange ideas.”
USD 239 Superintendent Dr. Stevens added, “I had the honor to spend the day with this group of amazing educators! I’m proud of our community and our staff’s hard work, and it’s encouraging to hear visiting teachers affirm our efforts while also sharing ideas from their school districts. Although this was the first year our district has participated in the program in a while, we plan to continue our participation for years to come.” North Ottawa County Public Schools will announce the winner of the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year on January 12.