SR 1727

                                        SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1727
     A RESOLUTION congratulating and commending the 2026 Kansas Master Teachers who have long served
          the profession and exemplify the outstanding qualities of earnest and conscientious teachers.
         WHEREAS, Seven of Kansas' best teachers have been selected as Kansas Master Teachers for 2026; and
        WHEREAS, Local teacher associations, educational organizations and school faculties nominate
candidates for the awards. A committee representing educational organizations from across Kansas selected the
2026 winners; and
        WHEREAS, The 2026 Kansas Master Teachers are Emily Chandler, a 5th grade teacher at Fort Riley
Elementary, USD 475 Geary County; Casey Ewy, an 8th grade social studies teacher at Susan B. Anthony Middle
School, USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden; Kathleen Gilliland, a mathematics and robotics teacher at Emporia High
School, USD 253 Emporia; Heather Hall, a science and research teacher at Blue Valley West High School, USD
229 Blue Valley; Michelle Kelly, a K-5 reading interventionist at Glenwood Ridge Elementary, USD 458 Basehor-
Lindwood; Rachel Tanney, a gifted teacher at Heatherstone Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary and Madison
Place Elementary, USD 233 Olathe; and Kimberly Tate, a 7th grade math teacher at Chisholm Middle School,
USD 373 Newton; and
        WHEREAS, Emporia State University established the Kansas Master Teacher Awards in 1953; and
        WHEREAS, The awards are presented annually to teachers who have long served the profession and
exemplify the outstanding qualities of earnest and conscientious teachers; and
        WHEREAS, Since 1980, Bank of America has pledged more than $100,000 to permanently endow the
Kansas Master Teacher Awards; and
        WHEREAS, In 1984, the Black family of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, established an endowed chair for
Kansas Master Teachers; and
        WHEREAS, The fund provides a stipend to bring two Master Teachers to Emporia State University for
a portion of a semester to provide presentations to classes of education students; and
        WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Kansas recognize the invaluable contributions of
great teachers such as those being honored today; and
        WHEREAS, These 2026 Master Teachers serve as mentors and role models and lay the groundwork for
the best educators of tomorrow. They go above and beyond what is expected and offer inspiration, as well as
instruction. They teach with heart and soul, and by giving the best of themselves, they encourage students to give
their best in return: Now, therefore,
       Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we congratulate and commend the 2026 Kansas
Master Teachers for demonstrating excellence in their profession and devotion to the children of Kansas; and
       Be it further resolved: That we offer our heartfelt thanks to those extraordinary educators who face so
many challenges in the classroom each day, yet persevere, choosing the satisfaction of doing their best and
overcoming the frustrations inherent in their job, and we extend our best wishes for their continued success and
happiness; and
        Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate shall send seven enrolled copies of this resolution
to Senator Argabright.
Senate Resolution No. 1727 was sponsored by Senators Argabright, Gossage, Owens, Rose, Starnes, Thomas and
Warren.
I hereby certify that the above RESOLUTION originated in the SENATE, and was adopted by that body
__________________________________________
                                                        ___________________________________________
                                                                                            President of the Senate.
                                                        ___________________________________________
                                                                                            Secretary of the Senate.