TPS Announces 2025 Teacher of the Year Nominees

Posted on 10/23/2023

On October 10, TPS staff members gathered at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in celebration of public education.

The district announced our 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominees, Mrs. Diane Kimsey, a district consulting teacher and instructor in TCALC's Teaching as a Profession Pathway, and Mrs. Laura Cluke, the dedicated music teacher at Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School. Both of these outstanding educators have served students and families in Topeka for over 30 years!

Additionally, Officer Jared Rowley, the SRO at Robinson Middle School, received the Life Saver Award, which an Emporia student and her parents presented after he saved her life during a medical emergency at the Sunflower State Games.

The celebration ended with an inspiring, original musical selection by Allena Ross, the College & Career Advocate at Highland Park High School. Listen to the song here.

View highlights from the celebration in the YouTube Livestream or in these articles from KSNT and WIBW.

Engage students in the highest quality of learning • Prepare students for responsible, productive citizenship • Inspire excellence for a lifetime

We Support Equal Opportunities

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program, or activity provided by the school district. For students, the Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 compliance coordinator is the General Counsel for the district. For employment, the EEO/AA and Title VII compliance officer is the general director of human resources. Compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations, and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3059 or by writing to 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.