By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hannah Stoecklein, a second-grade teacher at Allen STEM Magnet School, has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for January.
Stoecklein was surprised in her classroom earlier this month by Cris Schul and Sandy Baker of Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, along with Ashley Weve of Eagle Media, who presented her with a certificate and a gift basket recognizing her work in the classroom.
“I am very honored that I got this award, because I think teaching can kind of have a bad rap or doesn’t get a lot of positive attention,” Stoecklein said. “And to get an award, you just kind of feel honored and you feel seen.”
Stoecklein is in her fourth year teaching and previously worked as a paraeducator. She said her decision to become a teacher was inspired by her own second-grade teacher, who took extra time to help her succeed when school was challenging.
“School has always been hard for me, and she was kind of the first teacher to truly take time out of her day,” Stoecklein said. “She would stay after school with me or use her plan time just to help me. Now that I’m a teacher, I think that’s even more amazing that she took her free time to help me.”
Originally from the small rural town of Montezuma in southwest Kansas, Stoecklein attended South Gray High School before earning her elementary education degree from Newman University in Wichita. She completed her student teaching at St. Dominic Catholic School in Garden City, then taught and coached in Nickerson for two years before joining USD 308. This is her second year in the district.
Stoecklein transferred to Allen STEM in late October of last year and said the move has been a positive experience.
“Allen has been phenomenal. Their staff has been so supportive,” she said. “It has been really cool to see the STEM side of things. Even in second grade, I can say we’re doing a STEM challenge, and the kids know what’s expected of them.”
She also praised the support system within USD 308.
“The resources in this district are outstanding,” Stoecklein said. “If you don’t know where to find something, someone will help you find it. That goes for teachers and administration.”
Stoecklein’s class also took part in the celebration, receiving pizza from Pizza Hut and ice cream sundaes from Braum’s.
Stoecklein encouraged prospective teachers to get involved firsthand.
“I would encourage them to volunteer in schools or become a substitute teacher and see for themselves,” she said. “Teaching can look intimidating, especially with what we see on social media, but there are a lot of good teachers, and we always need more.”
For Stoecklein, the most rewarding part of teaching comes from the small, daily victories.
“Small steps matter,” she said. “Their scores may not go up largely, but you see little improvements. It could be as simple as a kid following a direction the first time. Those small steps matter, and seeing that effort every day is one of my favorite things about teaching.”
