By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
USD 428 announced its Teachers of the Year earlier this month. Riley Elementary fifth-grade teacher Mandy Stansfield, and Great Bend Middle School seventh-grade English teacher Lori McLeland were both surprised with the honor, which recognizes one elementary and one secondary educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching in Great Bend schools. Monday night, the pair was honored by the USD 428 Board of Education. Superintendent Khris Thexton said both Stansfield and McLeland are now eligible to be named Kansas Teacher of the Year.
"In the spring, there will be an event, usually in Salina at the Tony's Pizza Events Center," he said. "We'll go through there and they'll recognize our region for Teacher of the Year honorees. We'll go through that process, and they'll select our finalists. From that, they'll go on to the state level. Based on that, they will be determined whether they are Teacher of the Year for the state of Kansas."
Stansfield has taught at Riley Elementary for 12 years. As an elementary teacher, she brings a lively enthusiasm to all of the subjects she teaches throughout the day. Outside of the classroom, she has served as a mentor teacher for new staff, a member of the Curriculum Steering Committee, and a Process Champion for Capturing Kids’ Hearts. She also volunteers for causes such as The Ronald McDonald House and the Great Bend Fire Department’s Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser.
McLeland has also taught for 12 years. Her trademark has been engaging classroom activities—like exploring figurative language through idioms and art—blend imagination with literacy skills, helping students connect meaning and expression. McLeland has served as a Building Leadership Team (BLT) member for nine years, mentored new teachers, and presented literacy protocols and English Language endorsement materials at district events.
Outside of the classroom, McLeland serves as a worship leader and Vacation Bible School coordinator at Ellinwood Community Church, where she also supports outreach efforts to seniors and those in need.
(USD 428 contributed to this story)