FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS — Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, special education teacher Alyssa (Rucker) Kiser was selected as Unified School District 207's 2026 District Teacher of the Year.
The Teacher of the Year process is completed far in advance. Kiser was one of 34 nominees for 2026 for Region 2. Last year, Elizabeth Anstine from Leavenworth High School was selected as a finalist for Region 2 and went on to be named 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year.
Kiser has spent eight years teaching kindergarten through fifth grade special education at Eisenhower Elementary School. She has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and a master of science degree in special education from Pittsburg State University.
Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering resilience, independence and confidence in students by equipping them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
"I believe each student has unique goals and their own vision of success, even as they face challenges," Kiser said. "Students thrive when they feel seen, heard and valued."
As a leader in her school, Kiser takes on various roles, including Kansas Education Systems Accreditation chair, Building Leadership Team member and participant on the Student Intervention Team. These roles reflect her commitment to teamwork, professional growth and school improvement, as well as her dedication to making a positive impact on her students and the school community.
For more information about the Kansas Teacher of the Year Program, visit https://www. ksde.gov/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-Teacher-of-the-Year-Awards.
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