Photo credit: KSDE

 

(KAIR)--An Atchison High School teacher is being recognized as a Region 2 Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Education, Dawn Smith, an English language arts teacher at Atchison High School in Atchison USD 409, has been named a Region 2 finalist. The department says Smith is being recognized for inspiring students to think critically and communicate with confidence.

KSDE also named Alexandra Vahsholtz, a fifth grade teacher at Village Elementary School in Emporia USD 253, as the other Region 2 finalist.

The two were named finalists during a ceremony in Topeka and now advance as candidates for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year.