BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 has announced its nominees for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.

Shelly Cole, a music teacher at Buhler Grade School, was selected as the district’s elementary nominee.

Vicky Richardson, a math teacher and media specialist at Prairie Hills Middle School, was selected as the secondary nominee.

The district congratulated Cole and Richardson and wished them luck as they begin the application process.

The Kansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators and allows them to serve as advocates for the teaching profession.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696683579907.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostBUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 has announced its nominees for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.Shelly Cole, a music teacher at Buhler Grade School, was selected as the district’s elementary nominee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1789495918399.jpeg" alt="Pictured L-R Kurt Geilenfeldt, Principal - Buhler Grade School, Shelly Cole K-5 Music Teacher - Buhler Grade School, Kyle McClure - Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment PK-5th Grade, Cindy Couchman, Superintendent" />
 <figcaption>Pictured L-R Kurt Geilenfeldt, Principal - Buhler Grade School, Shelly Cole K-5 Music Teacher - Buhler Grade School, Kyle McClure - Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment PK-5th Grade, Cindy Couchman, Superintendent</figcaption>
 </figure>Vicky Richardson, a math teacher and media specialist at Prairie Hills Middle School, was selected as the secondary nominee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1789496005520.jpeg" alt="Paul Erickson, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 6-12, Cindy Couchman, Superintendent, Vicky Richardson – Math Teacher &amp; Media Specialist, Prairie Hills Middle School, Abby Thompson, Principal - Prairie Hills Middle School, Susan Miller, PHMS instructor, Randall Rank, Assistant Principal - Prairie Hills Middle School.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Paul Erickson, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 6-12, Cindy Couchman, Superintendent, Vicky Richardson – Math Teacher &amp; Media Specialist, Prairie Hills Middle School, Abby Thompson, Principal - Prairie Hills Middle School, Susan Miller, PHMS instructor, Randall Rank, Assistant Principal - Prairie Hills Middle School.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The district congratulated Cole and Richardson and wished them luck as they begin the application process.The Kansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators and allows them to serve as advocates for the teaching profession.

Buhler USD 313 announces Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees