TPS Educator Recognized with Kansas Horizon Award

Posted on 01/13/2025

We are very excited to share that Mr. Dester, our very own educator at Topeka West High School, has been recognized with the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award!👏 This prestigious award, given by the Kansas Department of Education, recognizes outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom.

Mr. Dester teaches Honors World History and AP Government, inspiring his students with his passion for education and dedication to their success. Thank you, Mr. Dester, for making a difference!🌟

Hear more about Mr. Dester and his words of advice to other new teachers in this interview with KSNT!

🔗:Award-Winning Topeka Teacher Gives Advice To New Teachers

Kansas Horizon Award Recognition

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.