Each year, Great Bend USD 428 recognizes an elementary and secondary teacher as the local Teacher of the Year. These teachers are then nominated to the state-wide Kansas Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education.

• Local nominations are accepted in September. Nominees are invited to complete a local applications which is reviewed by past honorees from USD 428.

• USD 428 Teachers of the Year - Announced annually in September and advance to the state-wide competition

USD 428 Teachers of the Year receive a $500 classroom stipend and an additional personal day to work on the State KTOY application.

The Horizon Award, presented in the fall, recognizes exemplary new teachers starting their second year of teaching. Great Bend USD 428 recognize these outstanding novice teachers locally and nominate them to the Kansas State Department of Education's Kansas Horizon Award program.

USD 428 is proud of its staff and wants to encourage longevity among its teachers. Annually, USD 428 contributes $500 to a 403b plan for each teacher. After 5 years with the district, teachers become 10% vested and they continue to gain 10% vested status each year after that until they are fully vested at 15 years. As the balance and earnings on the account grow each year, the amount teachers can access each year grows also grows.

Each May, USD 428 celebrates our teachers who have reached the 25 year milestone in their teaching career. Teachers are invited to attend a special banquet and are recognized with a certificate from the University of Kansas.

Each May, USD 428 celebrates the teachers and staff who are entering retirement. Hosting a banquet in their honor, administrators, peers and family gather to recognize the commitment and dedication they have provided to their students and career.