KU News Release

School of Education honors more than 790 Kansas teachers

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LAWRENCE — The School of Education at the University of Kansas has honored 797 teachers from 173 school districts statewide with certificates recognizing 25 years or more of service to education in Kansas.

Three teachers honored this year have 40 or more years of service. Ronald Daniels of Great Bend, secondary guidance counselor with Great Bend USD 428, has taught for 44 years, all in Kansas; Marilyn Quinn of Holton, elementary teacher with Holton USD 336, has 42 years experience in Kansas; and Charlotte Nelson of Salina, coordinator with Salina USD 305, was honored for 40 years of service in the state.

Two teachers from Holton were honored for 39 years of service in Kansas schools: Sharon Karns, elementary teacher, and Mary Schulz, middle school teacher, both with Holton USD 336.

Mary Mattley of Derby, middle school teacher with Mulvane USD 263; and Shirley Lett of Joplin, Mo., elementary counselor with Columbus USD 493, were honored for 38 years of service in Kansas.

Three teachers were recognized for 36 years of service in Kansas, including two from Holton USD 336: Carolyn Bell, Holton, elementary teacher; Judy Swisher, Holton, secondary teacher. Jeannie Presson, Cherryvale, secondary teacher with Cherryvale-Thayer USD 447, has been in Kansas for 36 of the 37 years she has been teaching.

Seven teachers each were honored for 35 years of service in Kansas:

— Sharaon Buscher, Topeka, elementary teacher for Topeka USD 501
— Martha Ann Jones, Olpe, elementary teacher with Emporia USD 253
— Walt Koontz, Sedan, secondary counselor with Chautauqua County USD 286
— Patricia Simonson, Topeka, elementary teacher for Topeka USD 501
— Nancy Wendling, Mankato, middle school teacher with Republic County USD 109
— Gwenda R. Wilcox, Topeka, middle school teacher for Topeka USD 501
— Mark B. Wilson, Topeka, director of special education with Holton USD 336

“Strengthening education is among the more important public policy issues facing our country,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education. “Good teaching is at the core of any success that students achieve. As leaders debate the best ways to attract and retain high quality teachers across Kansas and the country, it is important to recognize those who have dedicated their professional lives to our Kansas classrooms. The time that these teachers have given to the students in our state is significant, and we are pleased to offer this small recognition for their work and dedication.”

KU’s School of Education annually invites Kansas school district officials to identify educators who are eligible for recognition. Certificates are issued based on responses from individual districts; some school districts do not participate in the recognition program.

Teachers who received certificates are listed below by USD or interlocal number, district name, total years of service and years of service in Kansas, home city, position and area of teaching or administration.

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