2019 Distinguished Classroom Teachers announced

Wichita Public Schools is proud to announce the 2019 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.

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

The winners are:

Chasmyn Lindeman-Thimesch, 4th grade teacher at Cloud Elementary – New Teacher, Elementary

(Runner up: Abigail Tullos, kindergarten teacher at Enders Community Service and Leadership Magnet)

Taylor Offerle, math teacher at Heights High School – New Teacher, Secondary category

(Runner up: Austin Clift, journalism teacher at East High School)

Marnie Baxter, 2nd grade teacher at McCollom Elementary – Primary (Grades Pre-K – 2) category

(Runner up: Meredith Compton, kindergarten teacher at Cloud Elementary)

Allison Drake, 3rd grade teacher at Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet – Intermediate (Gr. 3 – 5) category

(Runner up: Monica Gossen Hunnell, 3rd grade teacher at Allen Elementary)

Patric Jackson, P.E. teacher at Gordon Parks Academy – Middle School category

(Runner up: Catherine Arellano, P.E. teacher at Coleman Middle School)

Ann Burgett, English teacher at Northwest High School – High School category

(Runner up: Rob Maddux, social studies teacher at Southeast High School)

Ashley Reichenborn, music teacher at Bucker Performing Arts and Science Magnet – Support Teacher, Elementary category

(Runner up: Allison Stucky, art teacher at Riverside Leadership Magnet)

Nicole Herrera, Instructional Coach at Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet – Support Teacher, Secondary category

(Runner up: Stephanie Bird-Hutchison, teaching specialist at Dunbar Support Center)

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.

The Distinguished Classroom Teachers will be recognized at the March 25 BOE meeting.