2025 Teachers of the Year

Posted on 08/01/2025

Seaman School District is proud to recognize the educators who go above and beyond. Those who inspire students, mentor colleagues, and make our schools better every single day. The 2025 Teachers of the Year are great examples of what it means to teach with heart, innovation, and excellence. From our earliest learners to our graduating seniors, these individuals are changing lives and shaping the future, one student at a time.

Kayla Shaughnessy – Mathes Early Learning Center
Kayla Shaughnessy is a passionate and deeply intentional early childhood educator who brings heart, structure, and creativity to her work with 3- and 4-year-olds at Mathes Early Learning Center. Her trauma-informed, developmentally responsive classroom creates a space where all students feel safe, celebrated, and empowered to grow. Kayla’s commitment to inclusion and her strong collaboration with paras, families, and specialists make her a cornerstone of support for both students and staff. From spearheading university literacy partnerships to organizing meaningful events like Career Day for her youngest learners, she ensures every child receives enriching, joyful learning experiences. Kayla’s steady leadership, proactive mindset, and genuine love for her students make her a shining example of what it means to teach with both purpose and compassion.

Tara Yost – Elmont Elementary
Tara Yost is a dynamic and student-centered physical education teacher who champions the growth of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—at Elmont Elementary. She brings energy, creativity, and intention to every lesson, weaving in student voice, leadership, and social-emotional learning alongside physical development. Tara’s impact stretches beyond her gym walls; she leads the district’s elementary PE PLC, organizes Seaman’s two-day district track meet, and supports colleagues through her work with KAHPERD and the Seaman Education Advantage Foundation. Her ability to challenge and uplift her students, while serving as a respected leader in her profession, makes Tara a truly outstanding nominee for Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Holly Wendorff – Logan Elementary
Holly Wendorff is a vibrant and deeply compassionate educator who lights up Logan Elementary with her joy, creativity, and connection. Known for her ability to create an inclusive, high-energy classroom, Holly meets academic rigor with emotional support, using humor, innovation, and a deep understanding of her students’ needs to make learning unforgettable. From AI-generated songs to personalized incentives, she meets students where they are and helps them thrive. Holly’s strength lies in her relationships—with students, families, and colleagues—and her leadership as a mentor and culture-builder makes her a beloved presence in her building. She is the heartbeat of her school, and a powerful representative of what it means to teach with love, skill, and laughter.

Kelly Guindon – North Fairview Elementary
Kelly Guindon is a passionate and innovative physical education teacher whose classes at North Fairview are rooted in inclusion, high expectations, and joyful movement. With a master’s in Health and Physical Education and more than a decade of experience, Kelly transforms her gym into a place where every student—from PreK through 6th grade—feels valued, challenged, and successful. Her lessons integrate music, academics, and social-emotional learning, and she continually seeks out new experiences for her students, like skating units and cross-curricular games. As a district leader, Kelly facilitates PD, wellness events, and the beloved Field Day, earning her a reputation as both a trusted teammate and an inspiring educator. She is the embodiment of energy, creativity, and care in action.

Kimberlee Stauffer – Northern Hills Elementary
Kimberlee Stauffer is a passionate and purpose-driven educator at Northern Hills Elementary who brings out the very best in her students and colleagues. Her classroom is a place where rigor meets empathy, curiosity is nurtured, and students grow into confident, compassionate learners. Kim builds strong relationships with students and families while modeling professionalism, creativity, and a deep love of learning. She leads by example—co-sponsoring Student Council, chairing the Parent Involvement Committee, and mentoring staff—all while uplifting her school’s culture. With her mantra that “great teachers love who they teach,” Kim embodies the values of integrity, excellence, and community, making her a truly deserving Teacher of the Year nominee.

Konner Amer – West Indianola Elementary
Konner Amer is a devoted and impactful special education teacher at West Indianola whose calm leadership, deep compassion, and instructional expertise have transformed countless student lives. With a background in both general and special education, she bridges classrooms with insight and purpose, creating individualized systems that support behavior, academics, and independence. Her classroom is a model of structure, joy, and equity, where every student is celebrated and every need is met with care. Konner leads with quiet strength—mentoring staff, responding to crises, and empowering paraprofessionals to pursue careers in education. Her belief in growth, her tireless advocacy, and her unwavering presence make her a vital pillar of her school and an extraordinary Teacher of the Year nominee.

Jeff Schuh – Seaman Middle School
Jeff Schuh is a respected and influential social studies educator at Seaman Middle School whose passion for history, commitment to excellence, and ability to inspire have shaped generations of students. He brings the past to life through engaging instruction and complex research projects, mentoring over 100 students annually in National History Day work, and helping lead the statewide competition hosted at SMS. His national accolades and professional development pursuits, including NEH workshops, speak to his lifelong dedication to the craft of teaching. Above all, Jeff builds meaningful relationships—with students, colleagues, and the broader community—and leads with humility, humor, and heart. His work embodies the power of education to inform, empower, and transform.

Anna Kennedy – Seaman High School
Anna Kennedy is a master educator and trusted leader at Seaman High School, where her expertise, authenticity, and love for teaching have left a lasting legacy. As the director of the SHS Band—fondly known as “The Pride of North Topeka”—Anna holds her students to the highest standards while nurturing a deep sense of belonging and personal growth. Her classroom is a space where music becomes a vehicle for leadership, empathy, and connection. Outside the classroom, she mentors teachers, serves on committees, and offers wisdom and clarity that others rely on. Whether conducting a performance or teaching Rock & Roll history, Anna’s impact is far-reaching, and her dedication to students and staff makes her more than deserving of the title 2025 Seaman High School Teacher of the Year.