Distinguished Classroom Teachers announced
Distinguished Classroom Teachers announced
The Wichita Public Schools is proud to announce the 2022 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award recipients in their respective categories. The recipients were surprised in their classrooms by BOE members, district leadership, members of the selection committee and family members.
Click here to watch a video of the surprise visits for each recipient.
The Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards program honors outstanding teachers who affect the quality of education in the Wichita Public Schools.
Sue Ake, 5th grade teacher, Gordon Parks Academy – New Teacher, Elementary
Runner up: Taylor Altendorf, 2nd grade teacher at Kelly Liberal Arts Academy
Abbi Faflick, 6th-8th grade vocal music teacher, Coleman Middle School – New Teacher, Secondary category
Runner up: Ashlee Alexander, 9th-12th grade math teacher at Heights High School
James Quillen, kindergarten teacher, Cloud Elementary School – Primary (Grades Pre-K – 2) category
Runner up: Danielle McVey, 2nd grade teacher, Gordon Parks Academy
Megan Campbell, 3rd grade teacher, Gordon Parks Academy – Intermediate (Grades 3 – 5) category
Runner up: Bailey Gutzmer, 4th grade teacher, Colvin Elementary School
Kimberlee Hughes, 8th grade social studies and AVID teacher, Mayberry Cultural & Fine Arts Magnet Middle School – Middle School category
Runner up: Lori Patton, 7th-8th grade science teacher, Christa McAuliffe Academy
Joanna Farmer, Agriculture teacher, Southeast High School – High School category
Runner up: Tanja Weir, 9th-12th grade science teacher, Heights High School
Jennifer Pollard, PBS counselor, Cloud Elementary School – Support Teacher, Elementary category
Runner up: Crystal Bieberle, K-1st grade interrelated teacher, Christa McAuliffe Academy
Sara Puetz, library media specialist, Gordon Parks Academy – Support Teacher, Secondary category
Each teacher received a banner celebrating their accomplishment and a gift bag filled with WPS items including a gift card from the Parent-Teacher Resource Center.
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.
To view prior years’ recipients, click here.
The Distinguished Classroom Teachers will be recognized at the April 11 BOE meeting.