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PAOLA USD 368, 2026

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Cori Flynn

Cori 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.

PAOLA USD 368, 2026

Secondary Teacher of the Year

DeAnna Fawcett

DeAnna 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”.