The Wichita Public Schools recognized the 2023 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award recipients in their respective categories during the April 10 Board of Education meeting. The teachers were recognized individually and videos highlighting their work in the classroom were shown.

Jamie Lansang, third-grade teacher, Seltzer Elementary School – New Teacher, Elementary category. Click here to watch Jamie’s video.

Kiara Suarez-Sosa, English teacher, East High School – New Teacher, Secondary category. Click here to watch Kiara’s video.

Maribel Benedict, kindergarten teacher, Allen Elementary School – Primary (Grades Pre-K – 2) category. Click here to watch Maribel’s video.

Mario Flores, third-grade teacher, Gammon Elementary School– Intermediate (Grades 3 – 5) category. Click here to watch Mario’s video.

Erik Stone, vocal music teacher, Gordon Parks Academy – Middle School category. Click here to watch Erik’s video.

Stacy Chestnut, English teacher, East High School – High School category. Click here to watch Stacy’s video.

Patrick Loganbill, physical education teacher, Linwood Elementary – Support Teacher, Elementary category. Click here to watch Patrick’s video.

Kristina Matthaei, instructional coach, Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center – Support Teacher, Secondary category. Click here to watch Kristina’s video.

During the meeting, it was announced that Mario Flores and Erik Stone will represent the Wichita Public Schools as nominees for the prestigious Kansas Teacher of the Year award this fall. It was also announced that Jamie Lansang and Kiara Suarez-Sosa will represent the district for the Kansas Horizon Award competition, which recognizes outstanding first-year teachers.

The recipients were surprised in their schools on March 3 by BOE members, district leadership and members of the selection committee.

Photo caption from left: Jaime Lansang, Mario Flores, Patrick Loganbill, Maribel Benedict, Erik Stone and Kristina Matthaei. Not pictured: Stacy Chestnut and Kiara Suarez-Sosa.

April 10, 2023