Spring Hill Schools is excited to announce its building-level honorees for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year award. This award recognizes the district's outstanding certified teachers who excel in student success, content expertise, innovation and service to the profession.
The following teachers were first nominated and then selected by their building for their excellence in teaching at their schools:
- Spring Hill Early Learning Academy - Laura Hines
- Dayton Creek Elementary - Daneen Hollern
- Prairie Creek Elementary - Kelli Mugrage
- Spring Hill Elementary - Dustin Kirkpatrick
- Timber Sage Elementary - Elise Olson
- Wolf Creek Elementary - Sarah Dwyer
- Forest Spring Middle - Angela Faulds
- Spring Hill Middle - Kenna Rambo
- Woodland Spring Middle - Whitney Smith
- Spring Hill High - Kerry Smith
“These dedicated individuals consistently strive to enhance student learning, preparing our students for future academic pursuits and professional endeavors. We are grateful to have these exceptional teachers guiding our Spring Hill Schools classrooms," said Director of Teaching & Learning Dr. Erin Smith.
The Kansas State Department of Education sponsors a statewide competition for an outstanding teacher to become its Kansas Teacher of the Year each year. The district honorees for the elementary and secondary levels will be announced later this month. Our two district honorees will then submit applications to be considered for the state’s award. The mission of the program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in improving schools, student performance, and the teaching profession.
