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Kansas Teachers of the Year urge lawmakers to bolster early childhood programs and teacher support
Summary
Teachers of the Year told a Senate education committee in Topeka that early childhood programs, professional development and school supports are critical to student success and teacher retention; several presenters warned a key professional‑learning program faces a funding cliff.
Topeka — Kansas Teachers of the Year spoke to a Senate education committee in Topeka, urging lawmakers to invest in early childhood education, strengthen professional development and address teacher shortages.
Tracy Betts, an early childhood special education teacher, told senators that early programs set “the foundational skills and prepare students for school readiness.” She cited research during her remarks: “Research shows that 90% of your grandchild's brain develops by age 5, with over 1,000,000 neural connections forming every second,” and noted that early intervention reduces later special‑education needs.
Julie Smith, a career and technical education instructor, said CTE classrooms and student organizations build both technical and soft skills…
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