PAOLA USD 368, 2025

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Tim Starks

Mr. Starks has taught for 21 years, including the past seven as the middle and high school band instructor in USD 368. Through his work with students in marching band, concert band, jazz band, and pep band, Mr. Starks emphasizes that the life skills gained through music are just as important as the music itself. He states, "Working together toward an outstanding performance builds character and fosters connections, reminding us that we’re part of something greater than ourselves. Our band program develops the qualities most valued in higher education and professional life—determination, teamwork, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence." Beyond these skills, Mr. Starks believes in music's inherent value in our schools, recognizing it as an essential aspect of the human experience—one that brings joy and forges positive connections within our community.

Mrs. Chappell has taught 31 years, the past nine serving as an interrelated special education teacher at Sunflower Elementary School.   Mrs. Chappell maintains the fundamental belief that “all students will succeed” and borrows from The Magic School Bus’s Ms. Frizzle’s motto “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.” In the Interrelated Resource Room, Mrs. Chappell makes learning fun by playing games, singing songs, and going out on excursions to explore past the regular boundaries of the classroom, because, “learning happens everywhere, and the best way to know, is to do.”  Mrs. Chappell also teaches with passion using a quote from Lance Armstrong: “Knowledge is Power, Community is Strength, and Positive Attitude is Everything”.

PAOLA USD 368, 2024

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Heather Simons

Mrs. Simons has taught 26 years, the past seven in USD 368.  Mrs. Simons currently teaches 7^th and 8^th grade math at Paola Middle School.  Spending over two decades in various middle school classrooms, she hopes that her words and actions will help model how her students will develop as they mature. “Everyone is a work in progress.”  Mrs. Simons feels a deep connection to the Paola community, and Paola, as a community, is known for rallying to support for our schools. As both a parent and a teacher, Mrs. Simons believes that relationships are strengthened when students see teachers involved in activities in the classroom as well as in the community – where social circles overlap.

Mrs. Oakley is currently in her 18^th year of teaching and her 16^th teaching at Sunflower Elementary School.  Mrs. Oakley teaches fifth grade.  She creates a positive environment where students feel safe, valued, loved and confident in themselves, and are given grace.  She makes sure to teach the whole child by instilling a love of learning.  Mrs. Oakley strives to get her students engaged in their learning by being active, celebrating successes, and having fun.  Mrs. Oakley states, “The role of an educator has changed over the years.  It’s not just about teaching academics anymore.  A typical day for me includes being a nurse, counselor, cheerleader, and expert in reading, writing, math, and social studies.  This is in addition to being a role model, redirecting meltdowns, and teaching impromptu lessons on life skills." 

PAOLA USD 368, 2023

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Sydney Goldman

Miss Goldman is currently in her 6^th year of teaching at Paola Middle School as the art teacher.  According to Miss Goldman, “The foundation of my teaching philosophy boils down to one thing: relationships.”  She sponsors a weekly after-school Art Club.  Her students have had their work shown in yearly art shows at the middle school, Kansas Art Educators Association’s annual show, and the Next Generation Art Show hosted by Miami County Medical Center.  Miss Goldman strives to foster a love of learning through the arts, which in turn increases success in other academic areas.