By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Pretty Prairie teacher Jessica Tercero has been named the September Teacher of the Month, presented by Eagle Media and PrairieStar Health Center.
Tercero, a Pretty Prairie High School graduate, was nominated by five students who praised her kindness, willingness to help and ability to support students both academically and personally.
“I think she should win because she is a great teacher and always helps when you need and also is always there when you need to talk to someone,” student Addie wrote in her nomination.
Other students offered similar praise.
“She should be picked because she is kind and always helps us when we need it,” Kian wrote.
Braxton described Tercero as someone who is “kind and always makes us smile” and helps students when they struggle, while Gunner called her “the kindest teacher of all time.”
Tercero said receiving the award was especially meaningful because it came through nominations from her students.
“I thought it was pretty special,” Tercero said. “I was really excited when I found out, and it meant a lot that the kids took the time to go on and nominate me for it and that I got it.”
Tercero grew up in Pretty Prairie and graduated from Pretty Prairie High School before attending Hutchinson Community College, where she studied athletic training. She later continued her education at Fort Hays State University in sports medicine and athletic training.
After graduating, Tercero initially considered pursuing a career as an athletic director. While working toward a master’s degree, an adviser encouraged her to also enter a transition-to-teaching program.
That decision eventually led her into the classroom.
Tercero began her teaching career in Liberal, where she spent seven years teaching and coaching. She later returned to Pretty Prairie, initially serving as athletic director in addition to teaching.
She eventually stepped away from the athletic director role as her own children became more involved in sports.
This school year, Tercero teaches seventh- and eighth-grade math, high school business math, physical education and health. She also teaches Ref Reps, a class focused on sports officiating.
Tercero said the relationships she builds with students are among the most rewarding parts of teaching.
“I just think the relationships with the students and seeing them succeed is the funnest part about it,” Tercero said. “Seeing them get excited about learning something, or finding out that they can do something and be good at it.”
The Teacher of the Month program is presented by Eagle Media and PrairieStar Health Center.