Olivia Winegeart, 2nd-Grade Teacher at Cooper Elementary, is Derby Public Schools’ elementary nominee and a finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year 2025. 

Every school district in Kansas may nominate one exemplary elementary classroom teacher and one exemplary secondary classroom teacher for KTOY through the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). This year, 120 educators across the state were nominated for the distinction. From these nominees, 24 semifinalists were selected. Of those, eight were named as finalists. One will then be selected as the Kansas Teacher of Year in the Fall of 2024. Members of the KTOY team, comprised of the current Kansas Teacher of the Year and state finalists, serve as ambassadors for education in Kansas. They make public appearances across the state to promote education and the teaching profession.

The KTOY program recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

Mrs. Winegeart is dedicated to providing quality education and support for every student. She is passionate about equity, she advocates for all students' success and finds joy in their growth and empowerment. She is committed to excellence in education and is driven by the belief in its transformative power. This is seen in her classroom as she builds relationships with each student, inspiring them to achieve their goals. We are proud to have Mrs. Winegeart at Cooper. Eagles SOAR!