NEA Recognizes SMSD Educators

Several Shawnee Mission School District educators have been in the National Education Association spotlight in recent months.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard congratulated all of these teachers on their prestigious recognitions and selections this spring during a Shawnee Mission Board of Education meeting. “We appreciate the work they are doing as educators and are proud that they represent the Shawnee Mission School District,” Dr. Hubbard added.

Here is a look at their accomplishments:

Teaching Excellence Award The Kansas National Education Association selected Natalie Johnson-Berry as the 2023 state nominee for the NEA Foundation Teaching Excellence Award. Johnson-Berry is an English Language Arts teacher at Shawnee Mission North. This program recognizes educators from across the country who promote excellence in teaching and advocacy for the profession. Individuals selected to become the national finalist receive a $10,000 award and the national winner receives $25,000.

IDEA Resource Cadre Rebecca Schultz, special education teacher at Shawnee Mission Northwest, has been chosen to serve on the NEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Resource Cadre.

NEA President Becky Pringle noted this is a prestigious position among NEA membership. It means that Schultz will be a part of a team of experts who will work to identify and respond to current and emerging issues related to disabilities to support members and students.

Transformation Journey for Racial Justice Bobette Sawka, therapist at Arrowhead, was selected to participate in NEA’s Transformation Journey for Racial Justice Co-Conspirators work for 2022. This is a 40-member nationwide cadre. This group will engage in affinity group work and provide an opportunity to receive culturally responsive coaching and teaching.

Congratulations to all of these Shawnee Mission School District educators!