“We’re never done growing.”
Those were some of the words shared by 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Taylor Bussinger of UD 233 Olathe following a presentation from the KTOY Team to students of the Emporia State University Teacher’s College Tuesday. Bussinger was named the teacher of the year back in late September and during an interview with KVOE News Tuesday was asked about his approach to education and how he feels it may have led to his selection as teacher of the year.
Bussinger humbly responded saying he is not sure if his approach makes him “worthy of any title” but says it is important for him to enter the classroom with passion and energy. Bussinger added that he also enters the classroom with the philosophy that education is not something you simply “finish.”
Bussinger says passion, energy and understanding the role teachers play in society were all key points the KTOY team hoped to convey to the students of ESU Tuesday.
Interim Assistant Dean of the Teacher’s College Dr. Kelly O’Neal-Hixson says having the KTOY team come to the university each year is an exciting and inspiring opportunity for their students.
Alongside Bussinger Tuesday, were the Kansas Regional Teachers of the Year which includes:
*Cherryl Delacruz, honors algebra high school teacher for Highland Park High School, Topeka USD 501
*Gretchen Elliott, art teacher for Smoky Valley High School, Smoky Valley USD 400
*Joanna Farmer, high school teacher for Southeast High School in Wichita USD 259
*Melissa Haney, K-4 Project Lead the Way science teacher at Explorer Elementary School in Goddard USD 265
*Erin Pittenger, K-4 art teacher at St. George Elementary School in Rock Creek USD 323
*Michelle Tapko, a sixth-grade teacher in Shawnee Mission USD 512
*Fonda Telthorst, music teacher at Piper Prairie Elementary School, Kansas City USD 203
The Kansas Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Education and is designed to identify and recognize “representatives of excellent teaching.” The team serves as ambassadors for education with public stops across the state.
