The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. 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.

USD 373's nominees for Kansas Teacher of the Year are Jennifer Criswell (2nd Grade Teacher, South Breeze Elementary) and Elizabeth Gunn (World History and ESL Teacher, Newton High School). 

• How many years have you been in education?

  • Criswell: This will be the start of year 13, all of which have been in Newton. My first year was at Slate Creek Elementary and then the remaining 12 have been at South Breeze Elementary. 
     
  • Gunn: 25 years; 7 at Santa Fe Middle School, 18 at Newton High School

• What inspires you to continue teaching, even during challenging times?

  • Criswell: I enjoy working with children everyday and the energy they bring to the classroom. Having students that want to come to school and be inside my classroom is an incredible feeling. I also love the challenge of teaching in that my students are so uniquely different and so are their learning styles so I need to constantly evolve my teaching each year. I’m also fortunate enough to work with some pretty incredible educators that inspire me daily and push me to be my best for kids. 

  • Gunn: Teaching in my hometown keeps me grounded in why I chose this profession. As an alum, I remember the teachers who shaped my confidence, challenged me to grow, and believed in me before I believed in myself. Now, I have the privilege of standing in their place—continuing the legacy, giving back to the same community that raised me, and offering my students the same encouragement and opportunity I once received. Even in hard times, that sense of connection and purpose inspires me to keep going.

     

• How do you create a classroom environment that supports both academic growth and emotional well-being?

  • Criswell: Relationships always come first with my students. We begin the year with so many team-building and “getting to know you” activities that we become really close. We begin each day with a morning meeting to build on our relationships, work through difficult moments, and celebrate the things in our lives. I am a firm believer in consistent routines and structure in our daily schedule. Students know what is expected of them for specific portions of our day. These daily routines become fluid during the year so we optimize our time in the classroom. This allows me to work with students at their level and provide extra support or enrichment where needed. 

  • Gunn: My goal each year is to create a classroom environment that supports both academic growth and emotional well-being by building respectful relationships where every student feels valued and heard. I believe it is important to be consistent in my expectations and routines in order to provide a sense of safety and stability, allowing my students to take risks in their learning without fear. I have found that relationships, being “real,” and humor foster trust, which in turn encourages active participation and resilience. Celebrating both successes and progress—no matter how small—reinforces the idea that growth is an ongoing journey. By recognizing  my students’ efforts alongside achievements, my hope is that students learn that perseverance and determination are as valuable as the destination. 

• Can you share a moment when you knew you had made a meaningful impact on a student’s life?

  • Criswell: Any time a student says that they enjoy coming to school is a huge win! (That’s always my personal goal every year. That and having them like a subject they didn’t like before.) One year I had a student move into the district. This student did not like school up to this point. They were constantly in ISS/OSS for their behavior and had a file to show for it. Unfortunately, parents also had a negative opinion on education up to this point as well. (With a new school, he needed a fresh start.) The student settled into our routines almost immediately, made friends quickly, and was eager to learn. It was the small things that made the impact for him: playing basketball with him at recess, eating lunch with me in the classroom, and asking him questions about life and school. He grew to love school and so did his parents. (He and I were both devastated when he moved away the following year.)

  • Gunn: Knowing I have made a meaningful impact on a student is one of the greatest rewards of teaching. Over the years, former students have stopped to say hello when they see me outside of school, sharing updates about their lives and memories from our time together. Some of my most treasured moments have been taking students abroad, watching them experience the world with excitement and curiosity. When a student takes it upon themselves to seek me out or go out of their way to do something kind for me, it reminds me that the connection we built mattered—and that my influence reached beyond the classroom.

• How do you stay current and innovative in your teaching practice?

  • Criswell: (Funny thing is, I kind of feel like I’m “old school” with a lot of things! I still use cassettes in my classroom!) I like to attend different PD’s whenever I can. I also try to read at least one book each year on something educational. Honestly, the best way to stay current is to collaborate and learn from other educators. I love learning what they are using in their classrooms and how they do things so I can evolve, too!

  • Gunn: I stay current and innovative in my teaching by embracing the mindset of always being a student myself. I continually read historical content to deepen my expertise, travel abroad to gain fresh perspectives, and use social media to stay aware of both societal trends and developments within the profession. My generation has consistently adapted to new technology, and I approach each shift with curiosity, always striving to learn what’s next so I can bring relevant, engaging, and forward-thinking practices into my classroom.

• In your view, what is the role of a teacher in shaping the future beyond the classroom?

  • Criswell: As you know, teachers wear so many different hats each year. I tell my students that the most important job I have as a teacher is to keep them safe and to be an adult they can count on. As the year progresses, they learn that their most important job is to a person others can count on. (All the traits we want them to possess such as kindness, respect, responsibility, perseverance, etc) My students may not remember the math lessons or the books I read to them, but I hope they remember those skills and lessons to help carry them through life and be successful in obtaining their goals. 

  • Gunn: I believe a teacher’s role in shaping the future extends far beyond academics. My students are tomorrow’s citizens, and the decisions they make will influence generations to come. By sharing the lessons of the past, I help them build a foundation for shaping a better future. Beyond content knowledge, I prepare them for life’s next stages by fostering essential soft skills such as punctuality, accountability, and effective communication. Most importantly, I strive to instill a life-long love of learning, so they continue to grow, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to the world well beyond the classroom walls.

    Our two representatives will attend the Kansas Teacher of the Year regional banquet in March 2026 to find out if they are finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year. We wish them the best of luck!