Distinguished Classroom Teachers Announced

The Wichita Public Schools is proud to announce the 2026 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award recipients in their respective categories. 
 
Watch a video highlighting the winners.
 
The Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards program honors outstanding teachers who affect the quality of education in the Wichita Public Schools.

Sydney Nelson, vocal music teacher, Cessna Elementary School – New Teacher, Elementary
Runner up: Gladys Antonio, third-grade teacher, Hyde Elementary School

Hannah Copeland, strings teacher, Curtis Middle School – New Teacher, Secondary category
Runner up: Kimberly Hofmann, American Sign Language teacher, Southeast High School

Stephany Mendez Castaneda, teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Caldwell Elementary School – Primary (Grades Pre-K – 2) category
Runner up: Aaron Murphy, kindergarten teacher, Christa McAuliffe Academy

Gianna Wilson, third-grade teacher, Enterprise Elementary School – Intermediate (Grades 3 – 5) category
Runner up: Carly Suellentrop, fifth-grade teacher, Kensler Elementary School

Rachel Wysong, mathematics teacher, Wilbur Middle School – Middle School category
Runner up: Kristi Teter, ESOL teacher, Horace Mann K8 Dual Language Magnet School

Aaron Haselwood, technology education teacher, East High School – High School category
Runner up: Anthony Caldera, vocal music teacher, Heights High School

Braden Mayes, psychologist, Isely K-8 Magnet School – Support Teacher, Elementary category
Runner up: Annie Bryant, vocal music teacher, Linwood Elementary School

Danea Cramer, counselor, Chester I. Lewis Academic Learning Center – Support Teacher, Secondary category
Runner up: Christy Aberg, Library Media Specialist, Mead Middle School

 
The Distinguished Classroom Teachers were recognized at the April 6 Board of Education meeting, where it was announced that Aaron Haselwood and Stephany Mendez Castaneda will represent the district as nominees for the prestigious Kansas Teacher of the Year award this fall, and Sydney Nelson and Hannah Copeland will represent the district for the Kansas Horizon Award competition, which recognizes outstanding first-year teachers.

The recipients were surprised on March 12 in their classrooms by BOE members, district leadership, members of the selection committee and family members. 

Watch the surprise announcements.

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.
 
View prior years’ recipients.