Olathe elementary music educator named 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Olathe elementary music educator
named 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Ms. Marlow: "Children of all ages can express their learning and amplify

their voices through music."

WICHITA - Rachel Marlow, a music educator at Central Elementary, in Olathe Unified School District 233, was named the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) on Saturday, Sept. 20.

"Rachel is a true professional who has made the art of music accessible to all students," said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson. "Having overcome barriers of her own, she emphasizes the importance of inclusion and connection to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities."

Watson made the announcement at a gathering of more than 370 educators, business representatives and others during the Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet at the Marriott Hotel, 9100 E. Corporate Hills Drive, in Wichita.

Marlow was named the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year from a field of eight finalists.

Throughout the coming year, Marlow and the 2026 KTOY finalists will work and travel as a team to advocate for Kansas education and the teaching profession.

Selected from a pool of more than 126 nominations, the 2026 KTOY team is comprised of the following finalists: Tracie Betz, a classroom teacher at Quinter Elementary School, Quinter USD 293; Tranda Strnad, an art teacher at Republic County High School, Republic County USD 109; Troy St. Clair, a Pre-K-5 physical education teacher at Scott Dual Magnet, Topeka USD 501; Julie Smith, a business and digital media teacher at Santa Fe Trail High School, Santa Fe Trail USD 434; Lauren Sage, biology and environmental science teacher at F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City USD 500; Susan Rogers, a first grade teacher at Derby Hills Elementary School, Derby USD 260; and Jason Peters, a mathematics teacher at Hesston High School, Hesston USD 460.

Marlow's background encompasses teaching special education, general

music, vocal music, and instrumental music. She earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Oklahoma City University and a master's degree in special education from MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe.

Brandi Leggett, principal of Central Elementary, said Marlow's passion, dedication and collaborative spirit have transformed the school's music events.

"This has resulted in performances where every seat is filled, and audience members stand along the walls to enjoy the show," Leggett said. "It is a testament to the vibrant culture she has cultivated in our music department."

Martha Gabel, fine arts coordinator for Olathe USD 233, said Marlow's classroom "is a vibrant space where students actively engage in diverse musical experiences, from singing and playing instruments to music reading, analysis, composition, and expressive movement."

"Rachel's deep understanding of music pedagogy and effective instructional practices allows her to create lessons that meet the varied needs of her students," Gabel added. "Additionally, Rachel thoughtfully incorporates cross-disciplinary learning and adapts her teaching strategies to support skills in other academic areas, enriching her students' overall educational experience."

Dave Powers, of the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, in Eudora, said he's been impressed with Marlow's ability to incorporate inclusion of all students in her music instruction regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

"She skillfully integrates a variety of cultural elements, exposing her students to a wide range of musical traditions," Powers said of Marlow. "This approach not only enriches their learning experience but also fosters an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of their peers."

During the KTOY banquet, Kim Gronniger, director of corporate communications for Security Benefit Corp., presented Marlow with a $4,000 cash award.

In addition, Marlow will receive the Kansas Teacher of the Year Lifelong Learning Scholarship to attend participating universities, free of charge, for as long as she continues teaching in Kansas. She will also receive The Hubbard Foundation Kansas Teacher of the Year Ambassadorship which provides funds for travel and other necessary expenses incurred by the Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Marlow will have the use of a rental car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car for KTOY-related travel. Jostens Inc. also provided Marlow with a Leader in Education ring.

This past spring, each of the eight members of the 2026 KTOY team received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit and a red marble apple from the Master Teacher in Manhattan. In addition, each will receive Capturing Kids' Hearts training from The Flippen Group.

The National Teacher of the Year program, presented by Voya Financial, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The Kansas program is sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Marlow is now a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

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