On Feb. 4, Sterling College students studying education had an opportunity to hear from the top professionals in the field when the Kansas Teacher of the Year team was hosted on campus. Both prospective and current education majors were given the chance to hear two separate presentations that were focused on strategies for teaching.

The first presentation, “Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Skills,” covered elements of good teaching, education standards and embracing flexibility as technology advances. The second presentation, “Working with Gifted Students and Classroom Management Tips,” included strategies to reach all students and approaches to maximize teaching.

“Having this team of exemplary educators on campus was a wonderful opportunity for our teacher education candidates,” said Terri Gaeddert, chair of the education department. “The team displayed a passion and commitment to engaging diverse P-12 students in the learning process, and our candidates gleaned numerous pointers which will benefit them as they pursue careers in education.”

Students also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of the KTOY team.

Brian Noller, a senior math education major from Russell, Kan., talked with high school math teacher, Scott Keltner of Eudora High School in Eudora, Kan.

“It was really great being able to see the teachers actually in the field using strategies to solve practical problems and apply technology in the classroom,” said Noller.

Cassi Spleiss, a senior exercise science education major from Camp Verde, Ariz., met with physical education teacher Ramie Allison of Nelson Elementary School in Haysville, Kan.

“Ramie was super enthusiastic, honest and passionate about her work,” said Spleiss. “She talked to me about her faith and how she tries to demonstrate Christ-like qualities to her students. It was inspiring for me to see that she can live out her faith in the classroom.”

This is the third year that Sterling College has hosted the KTOY team on campus.

“Our teacher candidates can always benefit from listening to and being with great teachers,” said Nancy Hicks, administrative assistant for the education department.  “This is one of the many opportunities that the Sterling Teacher Education Program provides to prepare our candidates for teaching.”

The KTOY team consisted of eight teachers from across the state including Dyane Smokorowski of Andover Middle School in Andover, Ramie Allison, Sarah A. Berblinger of Prairie Hills Middle School in Hutchinson, Sue Commons of Baxter Springs High School in Baxter Springs, Judy M. Domke of Stanley Elementary School in Overland Park, Scott Keltner, Colleen Mitchell of Walnut Elementary School in Emporia and Laura J. Moyers of Anthony Elementary School in Leavenworth.