Hutchinson Public Schools has announced its 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees — Amanda Buethe of Faris Elementary and Michelle Goossen of Hutchinson High School.
The Kansas Teacher of the Year program celebrates outstanding educators from across the state who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, and impact in their classrooms and communities. The annual program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, promotes teaching excellence and highlights the essential role educators play in shaping the future of Kansas students.
Amanda Buethe: Celebrating Growth Beyond the Classroom
A veteran educator with more than two decades of teaching experience, Amanda Buethe currently teaches second grade at Faris Elementary School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bethany College and a Master of Education from Wichita State University.
Buethe says her greatest joy comes from watching former students thrive long after they’ve left her classroom.
“I love celebrating their graduations, promotions, and even becoming parents—there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you were a small part of their journey,” she said.
Buethe has taught in USD 308 for five years and has worked with students from second through twelfth grades. She holds endorsements in Elementary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, English Language Arts, and Family and Consumer Sciences.
Buethe credits the teamwork within her school for her continued enthusiasm. “My colleagues, support staff, custodians, behavior support team, and administrators keep me motivated to give my best every day,” Buethe said.
Her advice to new teachers is simple but heartfelt. “Give yourself grace; growth takes time, and every day is a chance to begin again. Focus on what’s best for kids and everything else will fall into place” she said.
Michelle Goossen: Connecting Students to Agriculture and Real Life
At Hutchinson High School, Michelle Goossen brings agriculture to life through hands-on learning and real-world connections. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master’s in Agriculture Education and Communications from Kansas State University.
Goossen teaches Agriculture Education and serves as both a CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) Master Teacher and the organization’s Professional Development Coordinator.
“This allows me to work with teachers from all over the country to gain ideas and share knowledge,” she said.
For Goossen, teaching is about more than content—it’s about connection. “Even though students might not go into a career in agriculture, they are consumers of agriculture for the rest of their lives,” she explained.
She takes pride in helping students see how agricultural literacy shapes daily decisions, from food production to environmental sustainability.
Honoring Excellence in Education
Both Buethe and Goossen will represent Hutchinson Public Schools in the Kansas Teacher of the Year regional selection process, where honorees are chosen for their commitment to students, innovation in teaching, and community involvement.
The Kansas Teacher of the Year program will culminate in the statewide awards ceremony later this school year, celebrating educators who exemplify the spirit of teaching excellence across Kansas.