2025 Distinguished Classroom Teachers recognized

The 2025 Distinguished Classroom Teachers were recognized on April 7 by the Board of Education. The Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards program honors outstanding teachers who affect the quality of education in the Wichita Public Schools.

Bill Nester-Brown, fourth-grade teacher, Black Traditional Magnet Elementary School – New Teacher, Elementary.  Watch Bill’s video.

Laura Araiza, business teacher, North High School – New Teacher, Secondary category. Watch Laura’s video.

Kristen Harris, first-grade teacher, Ortiz Elementary School – Primary (Grades Pre-K – 2) category. Watch Kristen’s video.

Michele Page, fourth-grade teacher, Lawrence Elementary School– Intermediate (Grades 3 – 5) category. Watch Michele’s video.

Jennifer Kirk, band director, Christa McAuliffe Academy – Middle School category. Watch Jennifer’s video.

Erin Matlock, English teacher, South High School – High School category. Watch Erin’s video.

Tish Freund-Habbart, curriculum coach, Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center – Support Teacher, Elementary category. Watch Tish’s video.

Brooke Johnson, instructional coach, East High School – Support Teacher, Secondary category. Watch Brooke’s video.

Kristin Harris and Jennifer Kirk will represent the Wichita Public Schools as nominees for the prestigious Kansas Teacher of the Year award this fall. Bill Nester-Brown and Laura Araiza will represent WPS for the Kansas Horizon Award competition, which recognizes outstanding first-year teachers.

In early March, the teachers were surprised in their classrooms with the awards. Click here to watch the surprise visits.
 
Peers, building administrators, parents and/or students have nominated each of the recipients. A committee consisting of principals, assistant principals, teachers, support staff, the assistant superintendents of elementary and secondary schools and a member of United Teachers of Wichita selects the final recipients.