Deerfield, KS 10-9-23 – In a celebratory event, USD 216 is proud to announce its Teacher of the Year for 2025. This prestigious honor is awarded to an educator who has displayed exceptional dedication, commitment, and innovation in the field of education, and this year, Mrs. Jana Miller has risen above the rest.
Every year, USD 216 searches for an educator who embodies the spirit of excellence, inspiring students and peers alike, and Mrs. Jana Miller has proven time and again to be the embodiment of this spirit. With her unwavering commitment to education, Mrs. Miller has touched the lives of countless students, fostering a love for learning and growth.
Mrs. Miller was selected for the award after an evaluation process that considered various factors, including why she is good for students, why she is good for the community, why she is good for the profession, and why she is good for the faculty and school. She emerged as the clear choice for Teacher of the Year, demonstrating not only excellence in the classroom but also dedication to USD 216's core values and mission.
Throughout her career at Deerfield Elementary School, Mrs. Miller has consistently gone above and beyond. Colleagues praise her for her teaching methods and her unique ability to connect with students on a personal level, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. Mrs. Miller is a true advocate for education and has actively participated in numerous programs, ensuring that USD 216 is not just a place of learning but a home to a supportive and caring community.
Mrs. Miller shared her thoughts on being named the USD 216 Teacher of the Year saying, "I am so honored to be Deerfield’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! It has always been a dream of mine to be one of those great teachers and now my dream has finally come true. I could not believe it when my name was called! I want to thank everyone who nominated me for this award. I could not be the teacher I am today if I didn’t have all the support from my family, co-workers, and the admin here at Deerfield!"
Tyson Eslinger, the Superintendent of USD 216, praised Mrs. Miller for her commitment to the students of USD 216, saying, "We are fortunate to have Mrs. Miller as part of our educational community. Her passion for teaching, commitment to our students, and tireless dedication to educational excellence are truly remarkable. She embodies the qualities we value most in an educator."
The recognition of Mrs. Miller as Teacher of the Year is not only a tribute to her outstanding efforts but also a reflection of the excellence that USD 216 seeks to achieve across the board. The impact Mrs. Miller has had on students and the entire school community is immeasurable, and her example will undoubtedly inspire future generations of educators.
This honor is not only a testament to the hard work of Mrs. Miller but also a reminder of the importance of teachers in our society. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, and the dedication and passion displayed by educators like Mrs. Miller are instrumental in shaping the future of our community and the world.
As Mrs. Jana Miller takes the spotlight as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, USD 216 Deerfield and the community at large extend their heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude for her exceptional service in the field of education. With a Teacher of the Year like Mrs. Miller, the future of education in Deerfield, KS, is undoubtedly brighter.
Mrs. Miller will move on to the regional competition in Salina in April, where she will be acknowledged for her achievements. If selected as one of the two Region 1 Teacher of the Year winners, she will then move into the finals that will be held in Wichita in September 2025. Regardless of what happens moving forward, Mrs. Miller will spend next year traveling around the state, working with and learning from other outstanding educators in Kansas and making a difference.