Great Bend USD 428 announced Mandy Stansfield, fifth-grade teacher at Riley Elementary and Lori McLeland, seventh-grade English teacher at Great Bend Middle School, as the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year.
Each year, Great Bend USD 428 recognizes one elementary and one secondary educator who exemplify excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to their students, school and community. Both honorees will represent USD 428 in the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).
“Recognizing our Teachers of the Year is one of the highlights of the school year,” said Superintendent Khris Thexton. “Ms. Stansfield and Ms. McLeland represent the very best of our profession. Their enthusiasm, leadership and compassion have a profound impact on the lives of their students and colleagues. We are proud to have them represent USD 428 at the state level.”
About the Honorees:
Mandy Stansfield is a fifth-grade teacher at Riley Elementary School, where she has taught for 12 years. Known for her energetic and engaging classroom presence, Mandy brings subjects to life through enthusiastic instruction that keeps students captivated and excited about learning. Whether teaching math, social studies or science, her lively approach inspires students to find joy and confidence in their education.
Beyond the classroom, Stansfield has made significant contributions to her school and district through leadership and mentorship. She has served as a mentor teacher for new staff, a member of the Curriculum Steering Committee and a Process Champion for Capturing Kids’ Hearts.
Her commitment to fostering positive school culture extends to organizing Student Council, supporting family engagement events and building community partnerships with local organizations and businesses. She also volunteers for causes such as The Ronald McDonald House and the Great Bend Fire Department’s Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser.
At the heart of Stansfield’s teaching philosophy is the belief that strong relationships form the foundation of effective teaching. “Education is at its best when teachers truly connect with their students,” Stansfield said. “That relationship — built on trust, care, and respect — is what makes learning meaningful.”
Lori McLeland is a seventh-grade English teacher at Great Bend Middle School, where she has dedicated 12 years to inspiring students through creativity, compassion and a love of learning. Her engaging classroom activities—like exploring figurative language through idioms and art—blend imagination with literacy skills, helping students connect meaning and expression.
Beyond the classroom, McLeland has been deeply involved in professional development and mentorship across USD 428. She has served as a Building Leadership Team (BLT) member for nine years, mentored new teachers and presented literacy protocols and English Language endorsement materials at district events. Her professional growth includes attending the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Conference and MTSS Symposium, and she contributed to teacher education as a long-time member of the Sterling College Teacher Education Advisory Committee (2010–2022).
Active in her community, McLeland serves as a worship leader and Vacation Bible School coordinator at Ellinwood Community Church, where she also supports outreach efforts to seniors and those in need.
When asked about her teaching philosophy, McLeland shared, “I believe that effective teaching involves a love for children, a desire to learn throughout your life, a compassionate heart and the confidence to inspire students to always strive for success.”
Great Bend USD 428 congratulates Mandy Stansfield and Lori McLeland for their outstanding contributions to education and their dedication to the students of Great Bend.
