By: Ryan Duey
Hannah Chestnut, Garfield Elementary School 5th Grade Teacher, and Heike Bybee, Wakefield High School Math Teacher, have been recognized as KSDE Horizon Award Nominees for USD 379. The Horizon Award Program recognizes exemplary first and second-year teachers in the elementary and secondary classrooms who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.
Chestnut is a first-year teacher at Garfield Elementary. She said that after the nomination she mailed off her application to the nominating committee for the overall Horizon Award. Chestnut is honored to be named a nominee as a new teacher.
“It means a lot to be nominated for the awards. The fact that my admin thought of me when they were discussing who to nominate means a lot, because that means that they’ve recognized my teaching skills that I’ve developed so far, even though I’ve only been here for a few months.”
Chestnut has only been with the district a few short months, but she has already made an impact, as shown by this nomination. Chestnut’s advice to future teachers is to ask for help and keep learning.
“Honestly, I’ve kind of just been doing what I love to do, and I think that that’s what has kind of led to this nomination for the Horizon Award. I also feel like my building and the staff within it, I have really great relationships with them. So, I’m never afraid to ask for help because you’re new. And you’re always learning, even when you’re not new, you’re always learning. So, I guess that’d be my advice for any teacher, really, especially new ones.”
Chestnut wanted to thank those at Garfield Elementary and the district and has loved her short time in Clay Center and with USD 379.
