Kansas Teachers of the Year urge lawmakers to bolster early childhood programs and teacher support

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 employers seek, and urged continued funding for CTE and CTSOs. “In 2024, CTE concentrators here in Kansas graduated at a rate of 99 percent,” she said, and asked legislators to “protect and increase funding for CTEs and CTSOs.”

Susan Rogers, a first‑grade teacher, described Kansas LEADS, a teacher‑led professional‑learning initiative funded with federal relief dollars, and warned lawmakers it is at risk: “Kansas Leads may soon come to an end,” she said, explaining that the emergency relief funding that supported the program is ending and that “without creative solutions and alternative funding, it's final teacher conference will take place this February.”

Other honorees emphasized instructional practice and student supports. Troy St. Clair, a physical education teacher, said movement is integral to learning and urged policy flexibility so schools can protect activity time while teachers address core content. Jason Peters, a veteran math teacher, urged that policy makers account for the “gray areas” of instruction and include teachers in policy conversations. Tranda Sernad and Rachel Marlow described how arts and music classrooms build confidence and community and urged officials to consider the whole child when shaping education policy.

Committee members pressed presenters on preparation and retention. Senator Petty asked about qualifications for early childhood special education; Betts outlined her path — an elementary degree, an early childhood endorsement and a master’s in early childhood special education. Senator Starnes cited a figure mentioned in the hearing of roughly 1,700 current openings in Kansas schools and asked what would help; presenters pointed to professional learning, mentoring pathways for paraprofessionals and financial supports that reduce barriers for new teachers.

Why it matters: presenters linked early investment and sustained professional learning to long‑term student gains and teacher retention. Several called for lawmakers to replace expiring federal relief funds that now underwrite programs such as Kansas LEADS and to protect funding for CTE, mental‑health services and inclusive policies.

The committee did not take formal votes during the session; after questions the chair closed the hearing and said the celebration would continue on the Senate floor.