As education continues in new ways, so do the accolades and recognition. On Monday, April 7, USD 428 announced Jessica Geist, 6th-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, and Wendy Popp, math teacher at Great Bend High School, as their 2020 Teachers of the Year.
In the midst of public health concerns, creating the right scenario to bestow this honor presented new challenges in 2020. Trading student applause and recognition for safe space and social distance, the typical classroom surprise was replaced with a fabricated “curriculum meeting” to lure the top teachers to the USD 428 District Office.
“These outstanding educators were both nominated and selected by their peers,” said Tricia Reiser, director of teaching and learning at USD 428. “After being nominated, they submitted a local application to be reviewed by past recipients even before we asked them to flex their teaching muscles in light of our State’s response to Covid19 and the development of our Continuous Learning Plan. Under any circumstances, both Ms. Geist and Mrs. Popp are exceptional in their dedication, passion, and expertise.”
Geist and Popp will advance to the 2021 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition which includes an extensive application process as well as a Regional and State review boards.
“The Kansas Teacher of the Year program is a great way to celebrate our outstanding teachers as well as to elevate their work for recognition among other districts and peers across the state,” said Khris Thexton, superintendent. “These teachers will have ample opportunity for professional growth as they tour schools across the region over the next twelve months, collaborating with the very best teachers across Kansas.”
The community is invited to add their applause and congratulatory comments to videos posted on the USD 428 Facebook page and YouTube channel. Questions about the
local Kansas Teacher of the contest can be directed to the USD 428 District Education Center at 620-793-1500.
Jessica Geist, Elementary Honoree – USD 428 Teacher of the Year
“Our staff at Lincoln Elementary are very proud of Ms. Geist and honored to work along-side her,” said Misty Straub, principal at Lincoln Elementary. “She is a professional by all standards, and most importantly puts student needs and their learning first. She has formed lasting relationships with students and their families.”
Geist earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University and later returned to obtain her Masters in Education Administration. Growing her experience and abilities here in Great Bend, Geist has expanded her professional development through summer training opportunities with Project Lead the Way and has become a leader at the district-level for the implementation of elementary science curriculum. Geist regularly opens her classroom to mentor teachers on everything from classroom management strategies to cooperative learning. Although she would never claim to have all the answers, Geist believes collaboration is important in all aspects of education.
Geist is a member of the Lincoln Building Leadership Team, the USD 428 Healthy Living Committee, Science Committee, pilot teacher and trainer for PLTW and other curriculum implementation. In her career in USD 428, she has served on countless other committees/teams/task forces.
In speaking of her teaching philosophy, Geist shared, “I want to prepare my students to become the best versions of themselves. I want to give them foundational skills on which to become exceptional and independent learners, as well as kind and responsible members of society.”
Geist grew up in Abilene, Kan. and graduated from Abilene High School where both her parents worked as teachers and coaches.
“I played basketball for my mom and ran track for my dad,” said Geist. “They are the people I look up to the most and are the main reason I decided to become a teacher and coach.”
“In teaching, the ‘rewards’ are relationships built with your students,” said Geist. “And every day I receive countless rewards.”
Wendy Popp, Secondary Honoree – USD 428 Teacher of the Year
"Wendy Popp is an excellent choice for our District Secondary Teacher of the Year,” said Tim Friess, principal at Great Bend High School. “Wendy is a great classroom teacher as well as a great colleague to work with. I appreciate Wendy and the job that she does here at GBHS."
Popp’s teaching career spans thirteen years serving students in Riley County, Junction City, and six years here in Great Bend. Popp earned her Bachelor of Science in Math and Chemistry from Kansas State University and later achieved a Masters in School Counseling K-12 also from KSU. Popp grew up in Prairie View, Kan. and graduated from Logan High School. She is married to John Popp and together they have three children, Jordan, Anna, and Sophie.
Pairing her experience as an educator and a school counselor, Popp shared, “I have the best of two worlds, I get to see students every day in the classroom while still applying my training and experience to create positive relationships with my students.”
Popp contributes to several district-wide initiatives, including the Trauma-Informed Committee which is tasked with developing a responsive school culture and practices that support students at every level.
Popp has experienced education in Kansas from a variety of perspectives, from being a student in a 1A school district to teaching in Junction City, a large 6A school.
“I've loved all the variety from ‘farm kids’ to ‘military brats’ and everyone in between. I've enjoyed the great state of Kansas,”
“I try my best every day to help students feel safe and valued,” said Popp. “Students need to hear that they are talented and can work towards any goal.”