By Payton Tholstrup

Alisha Brownell, a Special Education Teacher at Clay Center Community Middle School (CCCMS), has been named USD 379’s Secondary Teacher of The Year. Brownell will go on and compete for the Kansas Teacher of The Year Award later this year.

Brownell has been teaching special education at CCCMS for 5 years but has been working for USD 379 for 8.5 years. Before becoming a teacher, she was a para at Clay Center Community High School (CCCHS) for 3.5 years.

Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the growth in students. “They come in as 6th graders and grow so much physically, emotionally, and educationally by the time they leave 8th grade. It is amazing to witness that transformation,” she said.

Brownell’s advice for new teachers is to build relationships with students and establish connections. “I strongly believe that establishing strong, meaningful relationships with the students I work with is key to them being successful. Do something with your class each day to get to know them and let them get to know you.”

Brownell expressed what an honor it is to be selected for this award. “I have all the feels about being selected as the USD 379 Secondary Teacher of the Year,” she said. “I’m shocked that someone nominated me, and I am thankful that the work I do is noticed. I am honored to be selected, we have so many amazing teachers in our district that deserve this title.”