Wichita Public Schools (WPS) recently honored eight exceptional educators with the 2025 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to student success and the educational community.
The awards ceremony, held on Tuesday, brought together members of the Wichita Board of Education, WPS leadership, and family members to surprise the awardees in their classrooms, celebrating their dedication and impact.
Award Categories and Recipients
The Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award program acknowledges excellence across various teaching categories. The 2025 recipients are:
- Primary (Grades PreK–2): Kristen Harris, a first-grade teacher at Ortiz Elementary School. With 21 years in the WPS district and seven years at Ortiz, Harris expressed her joy, stating, “It fills my heart with happiness because it means so much to me.”
- Intermediate (Grades 3–5): Michele Page, a fourth-grade teacher at Lawrence Elementary School.
- Middle School: Jeffrey Arellano, a physical education teacher at Woodland Health and Wellness Magnet Middle School.
- High School: Erin Matlock, an English teacher at South High School.
- New Teacher, Elementary: Bill Nester-Brown, a fourth-grade teacher at Black Traditional Magnet Elementary School.
- New Teacher, Secondary: Laura Araiza, a business teacher at North High School.
- Support Teacher, Elementary: Tish Freund Habbart, a curriculum coach.
- Support Teacher, Secondary: Brooke Johnson, an instructional coach at East High School.
Selection Process
Nominations for the Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards are submitted by peers, building administrators, and parents.
A selection committee comprising principals, assistant principals, teachers, support staff, assistant superintendents, and a member of the United Teachers of Wichita reviews these nominations to determine the final recipients.
Celebration and Recognition
The awardees were honored in a ceremony attended by their families, colleagues, and district leaders. Each recipient received a crystal award and $20 in Parent Teacher Resources (PTR) Bucks.
Additionally, their schools were presented with commemorative banners featuring the names of the award-winning teachers, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the WPS community.
The 2025 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of WPS educators.
By recognizing these outstanding teachers and support staff, WPS underscores its commitment to fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment for all students. These awards not only honor individual achievements but also inspire a culture of excellence throughout the district.