Congratulations to Michelle Uptegrove, special education teacher at Edgerton Elementary, who has been elected as the USD 231 Elementary Teacher of the Year!
Michelle has taught for three years in the Gardner Edgerton School District. She currently serves as an Interrelated Resource teacher at Edgerton Elementary, embarking on her 30th year in education. Michelle has taught in high-incidence and low-incidence settings during her tenure as an educator. Michelle’s career-long commitment to the profession focuses on helping students and their families that need differentiated learning environments and the highest levels of support and encouragement.
Michelle is a valued member of the Climate and Culture Committee, Parent Involvement Committee and student support team at Edgerton Elementary. Michelle’s passion for advocating for all children plays out in her community involvement when volunteering for Special Olympics in the Kansas City metropolitan area and supporting students in their extracurricular and church activities.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Avila University. She has elementary certification with an emphasis in ED/BD, Cognitive Impairments, and Learning Disabilities. She is humbled to represent USD 231 as Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Michelle will now move to the state level and participate in the Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) selection process. The KTOY Program recognizes a Regional Finalist for each of the eight (8) regions. From the eight Representatives, a Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected. As a team, these designees are provided professional learning opportunities, visit school districts around the state, advocate for education at the state level, and represent teachers across Kansas. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is nominated to represent Kansas in the National Teacher of the Year Program. For additional information about the state program, visit www.ksde.org.
Congratulations, Michelle!!!