Jennifer Miller, first-grade teacher at Nike Elementary, and Stephanie Matz, English teacher at Gardner Edgerton High School, have both been recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education as outstanding first-year teachers. Dr. Randy Watson, Commissioner of Education, called to congratulate Jennifer and Stephanie on January 5, 2023. The Horizon Award is reserved for those teachers who have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.
This marks the fifth time in five years that Gardner Edgerton teachers have won this prestigious award. Sydney Clarke, fifth-grade teacher at Wheatridge Middle School won in 2021, Emily Hinrichs, third-grade teacher at Nike Elementary won in 2020, and Katey Foley, French teacher at Gardner Edgerton High School won in 2019.
To view the phone calls with Commissioner Watson, click HERE. To learn more about the Kansas Horizon Award program, click HERE.
Jennifer and Stephanie will be recognized during the February 6, 2023, Board of Education meeting.