By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Miller, Davis named 2025 Teachers of the Year
new_lgp_usd428toypic
Miller – Elementary: Traci Miller, English Language Arts Instructional Coach at Riley Elementary School, was surprised with the 2025 USD 428 Elementary Teacher of the Year recognition on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Miller has 28 years of teaching experience. Pictured left to right: JoAnn Blevins, USD 428 director of teaching and learning; Beth Rein, Riley principal; Miller; and Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent.
new_lgp_usd428toypic
Davis – Secondary: Jennifer Davis, history teacher at Great Bend High School, is the 2025 USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year. This is Davis’ second year at Great Bend High School, with 14 years of teaching experience in all. Pictured left to right: Brock Funke, GBHS principal; Davis; Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent; JoAnn Blevins, director of teaching and learning; and Dustin Klassen, GBHS assistant principal.

Great Bend Public Schools - USD 428 announced the selection of two exemplary educators as the district’s 2025 Teachers of the Year: Traci Miller, from Riley Elementary School, and Jennifer Davis, from Great Bend High School. These educators have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to student learning, leadership within the profession, and positive impact on their school communities.

These honorees were nominated by their peers and selected after a rigorous process, including a local application reviewed by past Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) recipients. Traci Miller and Jennifer Davis will represent USD 428 as they advance to the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition. (Elizabeth Anstine, a business teacher at Leavenworth High School, was named the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year earlier this month.)

Khris Thexton, Superintendent of USD 428, commended both teachers: “Traci and Jennifer are shining examples of what it means to be an educator. Their passion for teaching and their ability to inspire students are second to none. We are incredibly proud to have them represent our district as they continue to make a positive and lasting impact on student outcomes.”


Traci Miller, 2025 USD 428 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Traci Miller, an English Learner (EL) teacher at Riley Elementary, brings 28 years of experience to the classroom. Known for her innovative teaching methods, Miller creates engaging lessons that “trick” students into learning by incorporating fun, interactive activities that foster both academic and social-emotional growth. 

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Miller shared, “I believe that ALL children can thrive and learn when provided a safe, trusting, engaging, and adaptive learning environment.” Beyond her classroom, she is an instructional coach and mentor, playing a key role in professional development, literacy training, and teacher support across the district. Her dedication to student success extends into the community, where she is actively involved in various initiatives that support students in need.


Jennifer Davis, 2025 USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year

While Jennifer Davis may be in her first year of teaching history at Great Bend High School, her career boasts 14 years of experience. Davis is recognized for her dynamic approach to engaging a diverse group of learners. Utilizing a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities and collaborative learning, Davis fosters a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to explore and succeed. 

Speaking about her approach, Davis said, “I find being able to help students who are struggling to learn or comprehend content to be very rewarding. When you work tirelessly with students ... and finally see that spark ignite, there is simply no greater reward as an educator.” Davis is known for her welcoming demeanor and her involvement promoting a positive school culture.

For more information about the Kansas Teacher of the Year recognition program, contact Andrea Bauer at 620-793-1500, or email andrea.bauer@usd428.net. A list of past recipients can be found attinyurl.com/USD428recognition.