ISD Teacher of the Year 2026
We are so incredibly proud to work alongside these outstanding individuals who embody the spirit and mission of the ISD. We deeply appreciate our students and our staff, and we are grateful for these talented, dedicated individuals.
Each district building/department selects their own Teacher of the Year. A panel of judges from the Independence community reads each of their stories and selects the District Teacher of the Year. All 29 of the honorees come together at a breakfast in celebration of their accomplishments, where the District Teacher of the Year is announced.
2026-2027 Independence School District Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Shepherd-Keck — K-1 (Rise Program) teacher at Randall Elementary School
Stephanie is an empathetic and insightful teacher. She skillfully adapts instruction to address students’ specific academic and behavioral needs. Stephanie provides a consistently calm and supportive presence to her students and peers. She is truly exceptional!
Stephanie is one of 29 Teachers of the Year from across the district. Individual building winners are:
|
Abraham Mallinson Elementary School |
Janell Beilman |
|
Blackburn Elementary School |
Amber Miller |
|
Bryant Elementary School |
Coral Bodenhamer |
|
Cassell Park Elementary School |
Meredith Dotson |
|
Christian Ott Elementary School |
Christy Tapko |
|
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School |
Haley Hill |
|
Fairmount Elementary School |
Theresa Bolanos |
|
George Caleb Bingham Middle School |
Rachael Mcllvain |
|
Glendale Elementary School |
Amanda McCannon |
|
Hanthorn |
Megan Todd |
|
Independence Academy |
Karla Wehmueller |
|
James Bridger Middle School |
Jeff Weary |
|
John W. Luff Elementary School |
Claire Jones |
|
Korte Elementary School |
Shannon Logan |
|
Little Blue Elementary School |
Holly Ochsner |
|
Mill Creek Elementary School |
Ashley Martin |
|
Pioneer Ridge Middle School |
Desiree-Dawn Ashton |
|
Procter Elementary School |
Cari Teter |
|
Randall Elementary School |
Stephanie Shepherd-Keck |
|
Santa Fe Trail Elementary School |
Melanie McLaughlin |
|
Spring Branch Elementary School |
Angela Sullivan |
|
Sugar Creek Elementary School |
Shelly Funk |
|
Sycamore Hills Elementary School |
Susan Malelega |
|
Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School |
Hannah Hucke |
|
Three Trails Elementary School |
Kirsten Gorman |
|
Truman High School |
Sandy Bybee |
|
Van Horn High School |
Lindsey McIndoo |
|
William Chrisman High School |
Patrick Wilcox |
|
William Southern Elementary School |
Ashten Harkins |
Photos by David Rainey
