PAOLA USD 368 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
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April 19, 2026
Kansas Teacher of the Year
Region III Awards Ceremony
The Kansas State Department of Education has selected Ms. Cori Flynn, Sunflower Elementary--4th Grade Teacher, as a finalist to represent Region III for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year in their statewide competition. Region III represents schools in the Northeast area, and regions correspond to the state's four U.S. congressional districts.
Ms. Flynn was supported by her husband Shawn, her building principal, Staci Wokutch, several of her team members from Sunflower Elementary as well as Superintendent, Matt Meek, Asst. Supt., Justin Burchett, and Amy Wright, Director of Curriculum at the event in Overland Park, KS.
The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.
How it works: The Kansas State Department of Education appoints regional selection committees responsible for reviewing the nomination forms and selecting three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers designated as semifinalists. Two regional finalists, one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher, are chosen from among these six teachers. Regional selection committees are comprised of education administrators and teachers.
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PAOLA USD 368, 2026 Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to both of you!!!
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PAOLA USD 368, 2026Elementary Teacher of the YearCori FlynnCori Flynn is a fourth-grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary School in Paola, Kansas, where learning is rooted in connection, curiosity, and perseverance. Now in her thirteenth year at Sunflower, she has taught third grade, gifted education, and currently teaches all core subjects in fourth grade. Flynn believes strong relationships are the foundation of every successful classroom and that students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and challenged.Before becoming a teacher, Flynn earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Missouri and completed her teaching licensure through Ottawa University. Her path to education gives her a unique perspective, blending problem-solving and creativity to help students connect what they learn to the real world.Flynn serves on the District Technology Committee and the Blue Ribbon School Committee, where she contributes to innovative practices that support both students and staff. She has attended national and international educational technology conferences and enjoys sharing what she learns through professional development sessions and mentorship. Flynn also founded student technology clubs that encourage creativity and confidence, teaching students that it’s okay to fail—but not okay to give up.In her classroom, Flynn fosters perseverance and a growth mindset, celebrating effort as much as achievement. Beyond school, she enjoys exploring new technology tools, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Her belief in lifelong learning continues to guide both her teaching and her impact on the Sunflower community.
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PAOLA USD 368, 2026Secondary Teacher of the YearDeAnna FawcettDeAnna Fawcett has taught for 13 years, the last ten years in USD 368 as the Art Teacher for Paola High School. Fawcett has built a strong art department through exploring creativity, community involvement, and empowering students to be unequivocally themselves. When you step into her classroom, you walk into an environment where all students and visitors feel safe and welcome, share stories and connect, and create content-driven artwork. She not only builds a community in her classroom, but extends that community beyond her walls. Her Art Club sponsors Family Art Night for district families, fosters relationships with local businesses by continuing the tradition of painting the windows on the square, and this year is launching a free student-led clothes closet for district students called “Threads”.
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Being selected as the USD 368 Teachers of the Year qualifies both Mrs. Flynn and Mrs. Fawcett to compete for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to both of them and thanks for everything they do for our students and representing all the great teachers that are part of the Paola School District.
Previous USD 368 Paola Teachers of the Year
PAOLA USD 368, 2025 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR . . .