Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award winners announced

The Wichita Public Schools is proud to announce the 2021 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award recipients in their respective categories. The recipients were surprised in their classrooms by BOE members, district leadership and family members.

To see photos of all the recipients, click here.  To watch the surprise visits, click here.

The Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards program honors outstanding teachers who affect the quality of education in the Wichita Public Schools.

Alexandra Stamps, 5th grade teacher at McLean Science & Technology Magnet Elementary – New Teacher, Elementary

Runner up: Jesse Millspaugh, 4th grade teacher at Dodge Literacy Magnet Elementary

Kelsey Potter, 7^th grade science teacher at Stucky Middle School – New Teacher, Secondary category

Runner up: Jamie Smartt, 6^th grade language arts teacher at Brooks Center for STEM and Arts Magnet Middle School.

Kelli Phimsiprasom, 1^st grade teacher at Linwood Elementary School – Primary (Grades Pre-K – 2) category

Runner up: Dana Tisdale, kindergarten teacher at Gordon Parks Academy

Courtney Maddux, 3rd grade teacher at Harry Street Elementary – Intermediate (Grades 3 – 5) category

Runner up: Jerusha Willenborg, 3^rd grade teacher at Gordon Parks Academy


Jonathan Belsan, 6^th-8^th grade social studies teacher at Coleman Middle School – Middle School category

Runner up: Claire Overstake, 6^th grade science teacher at Stucky Middle School

Crystal Firestone, 9^th-12^th grade mixed abilities teacher at Northwest High School – High School category

Runner up: Chitra Harris, 9^th-12^th grade science teacher at South High School


Mike Williams, physical education teacher at Colvin Elementary – Support Teacher, Elementary category

Runner up: Kristen Mott, MTSS Facilitator at Harry Street Elementary School

Heather Manganiello, social worker at Hamilton Middle School – Support Teacher, Secondary category

Runner up: Kellie Loudermilk, data leader at Wilbur Middle School

Each teacher received a banner celebrating their accomplishment and a gift bag filled with WPS items including certificates from the Parent-Teacher Resource Center.

Peers, building administrators and parents nominated each of the recipients. A committee consisting of principals, assistant principals, teachers, support staff, the executive directors of elementary and secondary schools and members 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 19 BOE meeting.