KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Department of Education announced on Monday that one local educator was selected as the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) over the weekend.
Rachel Marlow, a music teacher at Central Elementary School in Olathe, was awarded the honor on Saturday night at a banquet of more than 370 educators, business representatives and families in Wichita.
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She was selected out of eight other finalists — Tracie Betz, Tranda Strnad, Troy St. Clair, Julie Smith, Susan Rogers, Jason Peters, and another local teacher, Lauren Sage, a biology and environmental science teacher at F.L. Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kansas — all of whom were selected from a pool of 126 nominations.
“Rachel is a true professional who has made the art of music accessible to all students,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson. “Having overcome barriers of her own, she emphasizes the importance of inclusion and connection to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities.”
Marlow has a teaching background in special education, general music, vocal music and instrumental music.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oklahoma City University and a master’s degree in special education from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe.
According to Central Elementary Principal Brandi Leggat, Marlow has transformed the music space of the school through her enthusiasm, passion and dedication.
“This has resulted in performances where every seat is filled, and audience members stand along the walls to enjoy the show,” Leggett said. “It is a testament to the vibrant culture she has cultivated in our music department.”
During Saturday’s KTOY banquet, Marlow received a $4,000 cash award and a “Lifelong Learning Scholarship,” allowing her to attend participating universities for free throughout her teaching career in Kansas.
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She also received “The Hubbard Foundation Kansas Teacher of the Year Ambassadorship,” which will pay for all her travel and expenses as she travels with the other finalists to advocate for Kansas education and teaching over the next year.
The other eight finalists did not leave empty-handed, either.
They received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit and a red marble apple from the Master Teacher in Manhattan. Each finalist will also receive Capturing Kids’ Hearts training from The Flippen Group.
Now, Marlow will be vying for National Teacher of the Year!
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