Previous USD 368 Paola Teachers of the Year
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April 19, 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Region III Awards Ceremony The Kansas State Department of Education has selected Mrs. 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
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PAOLA USD 368, 2026 Elementary Teacher of the YearMrs. Cori 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, 2026 Secondary Teacher of the YearDeAnna 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”.
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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.
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PAOLA USD 368, 2025Elementary Teacher of the YearKarla HaddockMrs. Haddock has taught 18 years, the past nine in USD 368 and currently teaches Kindergarten at Cottonwood Elementary. Her passion for her role as a kindergarten teacher can be seen in her daily interactions with her students. She created a warm and inviting classroom environment where every child feels valued and cared about throughout the day and the school year. Mrs. Haddock can often be seen working and volunteering at our local parks and recreation events. This allows her to see her students participate in events outside of school and lets them know she has a genuine interest in their growth in and outside of the classroom.
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PAOLA USD 368, 2025Secondary Teacher of the YearTim StarksMr. Starks has taught for 21 years, including the past seven as the middle and high school band instructor in USD 368. Through his work with students in marching band, concert band, jazz band, and pep band, Mr. Starks emphasizes that the life skills gained through music are just as important as the music itself. He states, "Working together toward an outstanding performance builds character and fosters connections, reminding us that we’re part of something greater than ourselves. Our band program develops the qualities most valued in higher education and professional life—determination, teamwork, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence." Beyond these skills, Mr. Starks believes in music's inherent value in our schools, recognizing it as an essential aspect of the human experience—one that brings joy and forges positive connections within our community.
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Being selected as the USD 368 Teachers of the Year qualifies both Mrs. Haddock and Mr. Starks to compete for the 2026 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.
PAOLA USD 368, 2024 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
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PAOLA USD 368, 2024Elementary Teacher of the YearMalinda ChappellMrs. Chappell has taught 31 years, the past nine serving as an interrelated special education teacher at Sunflower Elementary School. Mrs. Chappell maintains the fundamental belief that “all students will succeed” and borrows from The Magic School Bus’s Ms. Frizzle’s motto “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.” In the Interrelated Resource Room, Mrs. Chappell makes learning fun by playing games, singing songs, and going out on excursions to explore past the regular boundaries of the classroom, because, “learning happens everywhere, and the best way to know, is to do.” Mrs. Chappell also teaches with passion using a quote from Lance Armstrong: “Knowledge is Power, Community is Strength, and Positive Attitude is Everything”.
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PAOLA USD 368, 2024Secondary Teacher of the YearHeather SimonsMrs. Simons has taught 26 years, the past seven in USD 368. Mrs. Simons currently teaches 7th and 8th grade math at Paola Middle School. Spending over two decades in various middle school classrooms, she hopes that her words and actions will help model how her students will develop as they mature. “Everyone is a work in progress.” Mrs. Simons feels a deep connection to the Paola community, and Paola, as a community, is known for rallying to support for our schools. As both a parent and a teacher, Mrs. Simons believes that relationships are strengthened when students see teachers involved in activities in the classroom as well as in the community – where social circles overlap. |
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Being selected as the USD 368 Teachers of the Year qualifies both Mrs. Chappell and Mrs. Simons to compete for the 2024 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.
PAOLA USD 368, 2023 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
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PAOLA USD 368, 2023Elementary Teacher of the YearJulie OakleyMrs. Oakley is currently in her 18th year of teaching and her 16th teaching at Sunflower Elementary School. Mrs. Oakley teaches fifth grade. She creates a positive environment where students feel safe, valued, loved and confident in themselves, and are given grace. She makes sure to teach the whole child by instilling a love of learning. Mrs. Oakley strives to get her students engaged in their learning by being active, celebrating successes, and having fun. Mrs. Oakley states, “The role of an educator has changed over the years. It’s not just about teaching academics anymore. A typical day for me includes being a nurse, counselor, cheerleader, and expert in reading, writing, math, and social studies. This is in addition to being a role model, redirecting meltdowns, and teaching impromptu lessons on life skills." |
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PAOLA USD 368, 2023Secondary Teacher of the YearSydney Goldman
Miss Goldman is currently in her 6th year of teaching at Paola Middle School as the art teacher. According to Miss Goldman, “The foundation of my teaching philosophy boils down to one thing: relationships.” She sponsors a weekly after-school Art Club. Her students have had their work shown in yearly art shows at the middle school, Kansas Art Educators Association’s annual show, and the Next Generation Art Show hosted by Miami County Medical Center. Miss Goldman strives to foster a love of learning through the arts, which in turn increases success in other academic areas. |
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Being selected as the USD 368 Teachers of the Year qualifies both Mrs. Oakley and Miss Goldman to compete for the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to both of them for everything they do for our students and representing all the great teachers that are a part of the Paola School District.