Cathy Durano, a third-grade teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School in Andover (Andover USD 385), and Tracey B. Repp, a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Andover Central Middle School (Andover USD 385), were named Region 4 finalists for the 2010 Kansas Teacher of the Year award.
The announcements were made during ceremonies at the Wichita Airport Hilton. As finalists for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction, Durano and Repp each received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, a major partner in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.
Durano and Repp are among six Teacher of the Year semi-finalists from Region 4, which covers the fourth U.S. congressional district. Other semi-finalists were Dr. Teresa Graham, an early childhood special education teacher at Valley Center West Elementary School (Valley Center USD 262); Steve R. Miller, a physical education teacher at Ruth Clark Elementary School in Wichita (Haysville USD 261); Edgar Morales, a high school social studies teacher at Wichita North High School (Wichita USD 259); and Laurel G. Hopper, a middle school special education language arts teacher at Valley Center Middle School (Valley Center USD 262). Each of the semi-finalists received a red marble apple, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan.
Statewide, 91 educators were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. Nominations are made in each of four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education, sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appointed regional selection panels to select semi-finalists and finalists from each region.
The selection panels are comprised of teachers, education administrators, and higher education representatives. Each panel selects six semi-finalists, three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers.
From those semi-finalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year will be selected from among the regional finalists and announced during a ceremony Nov. 21 in Wichita.
Augusta, Kan. —
