Great Bend USD 428 announced Mandy Stansfield, fifth-grade teacher at Riley Elementary and Lori McLeland, seventh-grade English teacher at Great Bend Middle School, as the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year.

Each year, Great Bend USD 428 recognizes one elementary and one secondary educator who exemplify excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to their students, school and community. Both honorees will represent USD 428 in the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

“Recognizing our Teachers of the Year is one of the highlights of the school year,” said Superintendent Khris Thexton. “Ms. Stansfield and Ms. McLeland represent the very best of our profession. Their enthusiasm, leadership and compassion have a profound imp

See Full Page