2025 Horizon Award Nominees

District Leadership was proud to surprise Delaney McWilliams, Kindergarten Teacher at Park Hill Elementary, and Olivia Bazanos, Derby Middle School Orchestra Teacher/Derby High School Band Assistant Director, with news they were selected as the district's 2025 representatives for the Horizon Award.

The Horizon Award program offers Kansas school districts an excellent opportunity to honor exemplary first-year teachers. The program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, recognizes and rewards teachers who have served as outstanding representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state during their first year of teaching.

Nominated teachers must have completed their first year of teaching and be starting their second year. They will complete an application due in October. Horizon Award winners receive special recognition during the KEEN State Education Conference, which takes place each February in Topeka.

2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominees

District Leadership was proud to surprise Susan Rogers, 1st Grade Teacher at Derby Hills Elementary, and Denise Rankin, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Derby High School, with the announcement that they are Derby Public Schools' nominees for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year! 

The Kansas Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, recognizes outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and inspire students to succeed. 

Susan and Denise’s dedication to their students, commitment to lifelong learning and passion for education shine through. We couldn’t be more proud to have them represent our district!