STACY GOSS
USD 308
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools has announced their Kansas Teacher of the Year candidates, Melissa Swaim and Tara Urban.
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.
From Substitute to Teacher Inspiring Lifelong Learning
Melissa Swaim, Mathematics teacher at Hutchinson High School, began her teaching career as a substitute teacher, but quickly discovered her passion for making a difference in students' lives. After spending 13 years teaching high school math in Derby, she has spent the last nine years at Hutchinson High, where she is dedicated to engaging her students and demonstrating the real-life applications of math. With a commitment to innovation in her teaching methods, she remains enthusiastic about finding new ways to inspire and empower the next generation of learners.
You can find Mrs. Swaim on the second story of C Hall, where students are encouraged to find any dry-erasable surface, even windows, for collaborative problem-solving. “I encourage students to take on teaching roles by allowing them to explain concepts to their peers. This not only reinforces their own understanding but also builds confidence and communication skills,” she says.Mrs. Swaim stays motivated in her role through professional development- attending workshops and collaborating with peers. “Seeking out mentorships has broadened my perspective and helped me stay current with educational trends. This commitment to growth has not only enhanced my teaching but also inspired my students to embrace a lifelong love of learning.”
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education- Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction of Education- both from Wichita State.
Special Education Teacher Finds Joy in Every Moment
Tara Urban, Pre-K and K-2 Communication & Social Skills Teacher at Allen STEM Magnet School, builds relationships in and out of the classroom. As a special education teacher, her daily interactions with students who possess diverse learning styles reinforce her beliefs that every child deserves an educational environment tailored to their individual needs. Upon transitioning to the Communication and Social Skills (CSS) classroom, she recognized the critical importance of effective communication with her students. “To promote inclusivity within the classroom, I took the initiative to teach myself sign language and developed communication boards for my staff, ensuring that everyone could engage meaningfully with the students. This approach not only enhanced communication but also fostered a more inclusive atmosphere, allowing each child to thrive in a supportive learning environment,” Urban says.
Mrs. Urban’s passion for education was sparked through volunteer opportunities in her daughter’s classroom. Motivated by the prompting of the principal and encouragement of other teachers, she returned to the classroom as a student to pursue a Master’s in Childhood Education Endorsement & English for Speaker of Other Languages Endorsement. Urban also holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. She has spent the last four years teaching Kindergarten and two years in a CSS (Communication & Social Skills) classroom.Her advice for new teachers, “take it one step at a time. The first year can be overwhelming and challenging, but even the smallest moments with your students can be deeply rewarding and leave a lasting impression. Embrace those moments, as they will sustain your passion and motivation to keep moving forward.”