Goddard Public Schools is proud to recognize two exceptional educators through the Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) program, celebrating Brandy Lane as a South Central regional finalist and honoring Leah Whelan as the district’s elementary honoree.
Brandy Lane, USD 265-Eisenhower Middle School, has been selected as one of the top eight Kansas State Department of Education Kansas Teacher of the Year finalists and will advance to the final round of the state competition this fall. This distinction represents one of the highest honors for educators in Kansas and reflects her outstanding impact as a middle school English Language Arts teacher, instructional leader, and advocate for public education.
In her classroom, Brandy creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students develop not only academic skills, but also confidence in their voice. Her innovative approach to vocabulary instruction blends movement, collaboration, and purposeful play, transforming language into a shared experience that is both rigorous and joyful. Through these experiences, students of all backgrounds and abilities find success, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Brandy’s influence extends well beyond her classroom. As a leader in the district’s mentoring program, she has helped redesign and strengthen support systems for new educators, fostering a culture of collaboration, reflection, and continuous growth. Her commitment to public education is grounded in a belief that relationships, trust, and authentic engagement are essential to student success.
Reflecting on her role as an educator and advocate, Brandy shared, “Every voice matters. Belonging and joy are not luxuries, they are necessities. And education, at its best, is still the most hopeful act we can offer the world.
Alongside this state-level recognition, Goddard Public Schools is proud to honor Leah Whelan, USD 265-Explorer Elementary as its elementary Honoree for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year program. Selected to represent the district, Leah exemplifies the heart of teaching through her commitment to building meaningful relationships and creating a classroom culture where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow.
As a second grade teacher, Leah thoughtfully designs learning experiences that connect academic standards with students’ identities and lived experiences. From beginning-of-the-year “Me Bag” activities to authentic writing opportunities that extend into the community, her classroom is rooted in connection, self-expression, and purpose. Students are encouraged to share their stories, celebrate their successes, and recognize the impact their voices can have beyond the classroom.
Leah’s philosophy is grounded in a belief that students must feel a sense of belonging before meaningful learning can occur. This belief guides her work not only with her students, but also in her leadership role on the General Education Intervention Team, where she collaborates with colleagues to support diverse learning needs and strengthen instructional practices across her school.
Her impact extends into the broader school community as she fosters connections across grade levels, encourages collaboration, and creates opportunities for students to build relationships both inside and outside the classroom. Through these efforts, she helps cultivate a culture where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson reflected on the significance of this recognition, stating, “Today, we don’t just celebrate teachers; we get to thank our educators for all they do to inspire students. Today, we honor and recognize those who have gone above and beyond, the best of the very best of educators across Kansas.”
Together, Brandy Lane and Leah Whelan represent the excellence, dedication, and compassion that define Goddard Public Schools. Their work reflects a shared commitment to ensuring every student feels supported, inspired, and prepared for lifelong success. Please help us congratulate both educators on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate the lasting difference they continue to make in the lives of their students, their colleagues, and the entire Goddard Public Schools community.