The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Each year, Turner’s schools select their building teacher of the year nominee. Then, a committee selects one secondary and one elementary teacher as the district nominees. Congratulations to this year’s Secondary Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees, Ms. Cecilia Stump from Journey School of Choice!

Q: Why did you choose to go into the teaching field?

A: I truly believe teaching chose me. I’ve always felt the pull to education. I come from a family of teachers. I wanted to make a difference and effect change. I didn’t always enjoy school. So, I wanted to make it a safe place where students could truly learn and be successful.

Q: What have you most enjoyed about teaching?

A: I enjoy being challenged to do better every year. I am a different teacher now than when I was first starting out. I’ve spent over a decade reflecting on my teaching, the students, and the changing curriculum. I’ve had the opportunity to teach some amazing students that were able to flourish within my classroom. I’ve enjoyed watching students find confidence in themselves through their success.

Q: What do you most like about teaching in USD 202?

A: What I like most about the Turner School District is they have provided opportunities for me to grow as a teacher year after year. I appreciate and love that the district provides students with an alternative school. The district is giving students an opportunity to grow academically in a different setting that benefits them. JSOC was my first and only teaching job. I am grateful that the District Administrators and Dr. Duewel took a chance on me as a first year teacher. I have spent the last 12 years teaching English/Language Arts at JSOC. I couldn’t imagine working at any other building.