Watching Young Artists Grow
TEACHER & STAFF RECOGNITION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Bend USD 428 is proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our teachers and staff. As a district, we are fortunate to employ individuals who care deeply about their profession, their craft, and the students they serve. It is the goal Board of Education and USD 428 Administration to regularly recognize and reward the accomplishments of our teachers as well as their loyalty and longevity in the district.
Milestones matter. Each year of service represents hundreds of students who have benefited from the dedication and expertise our staff contributes. Whether they stand in front of a classroom or work behind a desk, their work at USD 428 contributes to the greater good of our schools, our district, and our community.
About the Milestone Program:
Launched in 2020, the Milestone Program seeks to recognize the career longevity and continuous service of teachers and staff. By investing their time and talents in a career at USD 428, our employees impact our district’s culture and most importantly, they encourage successful outcomes for our students. Throughout the year, USD 428 will celebrate the following milestones with special recognition and tokens of appreciation.
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.
2024
Sergio Ramirez
Casey Hatzenbuehler
2023
Dawn Szot
Molly Brown
2022
Dara Touslee
Joseph Bliven
2020 & 2021
Jessica Geist
Wendy Popp
2019
Jenna Dreiling
Cortnea Wilson
2018
Signe Cook, STATE FINALIST
Stacey Magnett
2017
Amanda Loving
2016
Brian Hutchinson
Vicki McCulley
2015
Tami Schepmann
Deena Smith
2014
Shelly Post
Kayci Strickland
2013
Marla Davidson
2012
Laurie Harwood
Kim Heath
2011
Cody Lee
Tandi Mai
2010
Toni Rice
Susan Stambaugh
2009
Robert Johnson
Linda Gotsche
2008
Lacey Hofflinger
Kim Guesnier
2007
Hayley Dicks
Jane Heeke
2006
Carla Maneth
Renee Buntain
2005
Susan Young
Janet Thurow
2004
Daniel Eyestone
Joyce Anschutz, STATE FINALIST
2003
Ken Harton
Tina Hiss
Phil Heeke
2002
Janet Schremmer
2001
Gary Pinkall
Judith Reed
2000
Steven Beaumont
Crystal Cross, STATE FINALIST
1999
Jerilyn Esfeld
1998
Jill Mausolf
1997
Grace McNaney
1996
Ann Adams
1995
Harold Rees
1994
Jenny Allford
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.
2021
Dorothy Leidig
2020
Stephanie Lomas
Brandy Proffitt
2019
Jason Drouillard
Alden Adams
2018
Joseph Bliven
Tanner Dahlke
2017
Kyle Vierra
Lori Tennis
2016
Tyler Shirley
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.
Years of Service
5 Years
10 Years
15 Years
% Vested
10%
50%
100%
Amount
$2,500 + growth
$5,000 + growth
$7,500 + growth
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.