News Release April 20, 2026

Emporia Public Schools Celebrates Kansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalist

Emporia, KS — Emporia Public Schools is proud to recognize Mrs. Alexandra Vahsholtz (left photo, center), a fifth-grade teacher at Village Elementary School, for being named a Region 2 finalist for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Mrs.Vahsholtz and Mrs. Sarah Bays (right photo, center), vocal music instructor at Emporia High School, were both honored as nominees at the Region 2 Kansas Teacher of the Year ceremony held Sunday, April 19. Both educators were selected as the district’s Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees, Vahsholtz for elementary and Bays for secondary, and have represented Emporia Public Schools throughout the regional selection process.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Vahsholtz was named one of two Region 2 finalists and one of eight finalists statewide, advancing as a candidate for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Each day, Mrs. Vahsholtz demonstrates a strong commitment to helping her students grow academically and personally. Her dedication to fostering a positive, engaging classroom environment reflects the high-quality teaching and learning taking place across Emporia Public Schools.

“Mrs. Vahsholtz exemplifies the very best of our profession,” said Ms. Sheryl Leeds, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Services. “Her passion for student success, commitment to excellence in the classroom, and ability to build meaningful relationships with her students make her truly deserving of this recognition. We are incredibly proud of both Mrs. Vahsholtz and Mrs. Bays for representing our district with such distinction.”

The Kansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators in elementary and secondary classrooms and aims to build a network of exemplary teachers who serve as leaders in improving schools, student performance, and the teaching profession.

The program includes local, regional, and state-level recognition, with regions aligned to Kansas’ four U.S. congressional districts. Regional selection committees review nominations and select semifinalists before naming one elementary and one secondary finalist in each region.

Emporia Public Schools congratulates both Mrs. Vahsholtz and Mrs. Bays on this significant achievement and celebrates Mrs. Vahsholtz as she advances to the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year candidate stage.