KATE Educator Awards

Each year, KATE members have the opportunity to nominate one elementary and one secondary educator for their excellent ELA practices. These teachers have the opportunity to attend the following year's NCTE conference and are considered for further NCTE awards.

2025 Award Winners

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Congratulations to our 2025 Outstanding
Secondary Educator, Dr. April Sanders from
​Derby High School.

Previous Award Winners

Elementary
  • Morgan Starkweather, USD 313 (2023)
  • Sara Worsfold (2019)
Secondary
  • Rachelle Blue, USD 265 (2023)
  • Melissa Buteyn, USD 259 (2019)
  • LuAnn Fox, USD 233 (2018)
Post-Secondary
  • Chandra Dickson, IRC (2023)

NCTE Affiliate Awards

The Kansas Association of Teachers of English is always looking for ways to improve itself for its members. Check out the awards KATE has won, and learn more about what NCTE can do for you!

Affiliate Journal of Excellence Award

Kansas EnglishThis award, established in 1995, honors outstanding affiliate journals and their editors who demonstrate excellence in these publications.

Years Received:

Affiliate Website of Excellence Award

​Established in 2000, this award recognizes outstanding websites with high-quality content, easy navigation, size, speed, privacy, links, and interactive abilities (message boards, live chats, forums, blogs, mailing lists, etc.).

Years Received:
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2021
  • ​2020

Kent D. Williamson
​Affiliate Membership Award

Established in 1987, this award recognizes NCTE affiliates that have increased their memberships over the past year. Awards are calculated as a percentage of increase based on membership lists submitted by the affiliates in both the year of and the year prior to the award.

​Years Received:
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • ​2019
  • 2013
  • ​2007

NCTE High School Teacher
​of Excellence Award

This award from the NCTE Secondary Section recognizes and celebrates high school classroom teachers.

2024: Rachelle Blue, USD 265
​
2020: Melissa Buteyn of Wichita Northwest High School
​
2019: LuAnn Fox of Olathe Public Schools

NCTE

Visit the National Council of Teachers of English and learn more about how they can help you be the best ELA teacher for your students!