Spring Hill Schools is excited to announce its district elementary and secondary honorees for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year award: Dustin Kirkpatrick and Kerry Smith. This award recognizes the district's outstanding certified teachers who excel in the areas of student success, content expertise, innovation, and service to the profession.

The elementary Teacher of the Year honoree is Dustin Kirkpatrick from Spring Hill Elementary.

“It is such a privilege to be recognized as our district’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ever since I was in second grade myself, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, inspired by my own teachers’ passion and dedication. To now create that same experience for my students is a full-circle moment that fills me with pride and gratitude. Building strong relationships with my students and partnering with their parents is at the heart of what I do. I love coming to work each day to help shape young minds and make them better learners and individuals. I’m incredibly grateful to those who have supported me throughout my career. Their guidance has been instrumental in my growth, and I am especially thankful to those who nominated me for this honor.”

The secondary Teacher of the Year honoree is Kerry Smith from Spring Hill High.

“What an honor to be selected to receive this award. Although I came into the teaching field a little later in my life, I know that I have found my true calling. I love working with teenagers and helping prepare them for life after high school. My biggest passion is nurturing kids so they believe that they have great potential for a successful future, regardless of their circumstances. I love getting to know them personally and investing in their lives. I am extremely grateful for my team! I work with an incredibly talented group of special education teachers, and all of the teachers in our building cooperate with one another and are willing to take risks and try new ideas and strategies. We are a family that supports one another, and I couldn't do my job without this wonderful group of people.”

Each year, the Kansas State Department of Education sponsors a statewide competition to find an outstanding teacher to become its Kansas Teacher of the Year. Our two district honorees will submit applications to be considered for the state’s award. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession. The regional recognition ceremony will be held in April 2024, and the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year Leadership Conference and Award Banquet will be held in September 2024.