Distinguished Classroom Teachers recognized
The Wichita Public Schools recognized the recipients of the 2007 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards in their respective categories.

            • Effie Conway, fifth-grade teacher at Anderson Elementary – New Teacher, Elementary category
            • Drew Bivens, math teacher at South High School – New Teacher, Secondary category
            • Michelle Sinnes, Kindergarten teacher at Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet – Primary Teacher (Pre-K through 2) category
            • Stacy Garcia, third-grade teacher at Colvin Elementary – Intermediate (3 through 5) category
            • Robert Chalender, eighth-grade language arts teacher at Pleasant Valley Middle School  – Middle School category
            • Stacie Valdez, language arts teacher at North High School – High School category
            • Linda Crabbs, Instructional Coach at Colvin Elementary – Support Teacher category

The seven were recognized at the February 26 Board of Education meeting. At the meeting, it was announced that Stacy Garcia and Stacie Valdez will represent the Wichita Public Schools for the prestigious Kansas Teacher of the Year Award. Effie Conway and Drew Bivens will represent the district for the Kansas Horizon Award, which honors first-year teachers.

The Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards program honors outstanding teachers who affect the quality of education in the Wichita Public Schools. Peers, building administrators or parents have nominated each of the recipients. A committee consisting of principals, the assistant superintendents of elementary, middle and high schools and a member of the United Teachers of Wichita selects the final recipients.

To view prior recipients, click here.

Front row left: Linda Crabbs, Stacy Garcia, Stacie Valdez
Back row left: Robert Chalender, Drew Bivens, Effie Conway, Michelle Sinnes
Photo by Susan Arensman