Shawnee Public Schools is proud to announce the outstanding educators selected as Site Teachers of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. These dedicated professionals represent excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to the success and well-being of every student they serve.
Each site winner was chosen by their peers for their exceptional classroom instruction, leadership, and passion for inspiring students to reach their fullest potential. Together, these educators represent the best of Shawnee Public Schools and will now move forward as nominees for the District Teacher of the Year award.
Shawnee Early Childhood Center: Marcy Reeves - Hope Room
Horace Mann Elementary: Leslie Cappo - 2nd Grade
Jefferson Elementary: Leslie Gothard - Library Media Specialist
Sequoyah Elementary: Julie Fields - 1st Grade
Will Rogers Elementary: Shelby Cowden - 4th Grade
Shawnee Middle School: Alissa Bass - SPED Math
Shawnee High School: Linsey Brown - 9th Grade English
Jim Thorpe Academy: Chris Koch - Math
Dr. Jason James, Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, shared his appreciation for this year’s honorees, “our site Teachers of the Year represent everything that makes Shawnee Public Schools special. They care deeply about kids, they bring learning to life every single day, and they make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families. We’re proud to celebrate them, not just for what they teach, but for who they are and how they lead.”
The District Teacher of the Year will be selected from among these site winners and announced at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet in the spring.