Sterling College welcomed the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) team to campus on Monday, February 23, providing education students with an opportunity to learn from some of the state's most distinguished educators. The KTOY team, led by Rachel Marlow, a vocal music teacher at Central Elementary School and the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year, delivered presentations focused on the importance of student connections in the classroom. 

“I am always excited when the Kansas Teacher of the Year team come.  They do such a great job of connecting with our students and reinforcing what we are saying in the classroom about effective teaching,” said Dr. William Anderson, assistant professor of education.

In addition to the presentations, students participated in one-on-one discussions with KTOY team members, gaining mentorship and personalized guidance from experienced educators.

The 2026 KTOY team included eight outstanding educators from across Kansas. Sterling College extends its gratitude to the Kansas State Department of Education and the KTOY team for investing in the future of teacher education and providing Sterling students with a unique professional development experience.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.