USD 308 Announces KS Teacher of the Year Nominees
HUTCHINSON, KS- Hutchinson Public Schools has announced its Kansas Teacher of the Year candidates, Amanda Buethe and Michelle Goossen.
The Kansas Teacher of the Year program honors exceptional educators across the state, recognizing their dedication and impact on students and communities. Established to highlight the importance of teaching, the program seeks to promote quality education and inspire excellence among educators. Nominations are open to teachers across various grade levels and subjects, emphasizing the diversity of talent in Kansas classrooms. Selected teachers participate in a rigorous selection process, culminating in the announcement of the Kansas Teacher of the Year. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also advocates for the profession as a whole, showcasing the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping the future.
Veteran Teacher Amanda Buethe Finds Joy in Watching Students Succeed Beyond the Classroom
Amanda Buethe, a 2nd-grade teacher at Faris Elementary School, draws on her broad teaching experience and education to serve her students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bethany College and a Master of Education from Wichita State University.
Her favorite part of teaching is seeing her students’ success beyond the classroom. “I love celebrating their graduations, promotions, and even becoming parents—there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you were a small part of their journey,” she said.
Buethe has taught in USD 308 for five years and is currently settled into a second-grade classroom at Faris. She credits her fellow teachers, support staff, custodians, behavior support team, and administration for keeping her motivated to give her best every day. Over the years, Buethe has taught students from 2nd through 12th grade. As a veteran educator, she holds endorsements in Elementary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, English Language Arts, and Family and Consumer Sciences.
Her advice for new teachers: “give yourself grace; growth takes time, and every day is a chance to begin again. Focus on what’s best for kids and everything else will fall into place.”
Michelle Goossen Connects Students to Agriculture and Real Life
Michelle Goossen, Agriculture Education Teacher at Hutchinson High School, emphasizes professional growth and building strong connections with students as central to her teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master’s in Agriculture Education/Communications from Kansas State University.
In addition to her classroom work, Goossen serves as a CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) Master Teacher and as the organization’s Professional Development Coordinator. “This allows me to work with teachers from all over the county to gain ideas and share knowledge,” she said.
Goossen believes teaching extends beyond delivering content. She makes a point to understand her students’ interests and challenges, linking daily lessons to real-world experiences. The Career & Technical Education Academy serves students from all Reno County schools, and Goossen understands that a student’s agricultural knowledge will reach far beyond high school credits. “Even though students might not go into a career in agriculture, they are consumers of agriculture for the rest of their lives,” she said.