Shawnee Mission School District educators are the best among the best. This week, two new SMSD teachers learned they were being recognized for a districtwide honor. Community members are also invited to nominate educators to be recognized for their outstanding work through the Kansas Teacher of the Year program and Shawnee Mission All Star program.
Horizon Nominees announced
This week, the Shawnee Mission School District announced this year’s Horizon nominees, honoring teachers who excel at the start of their careers. AK McClarty, a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Santa Fe Trail Elementary School, and Olivia Chavez, a social studies teacher at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, will represent the Shawnee Mission School District as Horizons Award nominees. They now enter the Kansas Horizon Award program that recognizes outstanding first-year elementary and secondary teachers across the state.
When visitors walk into McClarty’s classroom at Santa Fe Trail Elementary School, they will see kids who are engaged, curious, and genuinely happy to be there, Principal Kayla Ratzloff shared.
“She is always looking for ways to grow in her own practice and make learning even better for her students,” Ratzloff shared. “Her classroom is full of strong relationships, meaningful learning, and so much joy. You can tell this is exactly where she is meant to be, and we are incredibly lucky to have Miss McClarty as so many of our students’ very first teacher and the person who helps begin their love of learning.”
As a first-year teacher, Chavez had the confidence and maturity of a more experienced educator, Anthony Galindo, SM Northwest associate principal, shared.
“She maintains high standards while showing great care for students, and her teaching and lesson design are engaging and differentiated for unique student needs,” he expressed. “She collaborates at a high level with colleagues, and she partners with students and families to achieve the best possible outcomes for those she serves.”
Another way she shines is through the way she builds a strong classroom climate and culture, he added.
“She connects with all students and is easily able to build trust in the classroom, which allows students to flourish,” Galindo said. “Students engage and participate without hesitation, and it is clear that strong relationships have been established. This allows Olivia to successfully facilitate the curriculum.”
Nominate an SMSD Educator for Kansas Teacher of the Year
Each year, the Shawnee Mission School District nominates one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher to be considered for Kansas Teacher of the Year.
Anyone in our community can nominate the teachers they know to be considered for this recognition. Click here to nominate an SMSD teacher for this recognition.
Nominate a Shawnee Mission All Star
The Shawnee Mission Board of Education regularly recognizes the individuals who serve SMSD students and our community with excellence. Nominations are open for any employee in the district- in teaching and non-teaching positions. Click here to nominate a Shawnee Mission team member to be recognized as an All Star.
Shawnee Mission School District is the third largest school district in Kansas. The district serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. It has been consistently ranked among the finest school districts nationwide for its high student performance. The district’s objective is that each student will have a personalized learning plan that will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, which is 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.smsd.org.
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