Lansing USD469 is proud to announce Mrs. Sarah Barth, kindergarten teacher at Lansing Elementary School, as our Elementary Horizon Teacher of the Year Nominee for the Kansas Horizon Award Program.
The Kansas Horizon Award, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, recognizes exemplary novice teachers who demonstrate outstanding skill, dedication, and impact in their early years of teaching. Each district may nominate one elementary and/or one secondary teacher, and nominees move forward to regional and state-level recognition.
Mrs. Barth is in her second year of teaching at Lansing Elementary School. She describes her role as one that brings her great joy:
“I love working with the littles and helping them develop the skills to be successful in their educational journey.”
Her favorite part of teaching is watching her students grow:
“It is so amazing to see their growth! They really do make so much progress throughout the year.”
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Barth enjoys spending time with her husband and dog. She also has some unique pets, a Kenyan Sand Boa and a Crested Gecko.
One of her most memorable experiences highlights the impact she has already made:
“I have one student who visits me every morning from last year. He was not my student, but I think I made an impact on him because he comes and gives me a hug every morning.”
When asked what advice she would share with students, Mrs. Barth said:
“Do not be afraid to struggle, that’s where the real learning happens.”
Winners of the Horizon Award will be recognized at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) Conference in Topeka on February 20, 2026, where up to 32 outstanding teachers across the state will be honored.
We congratulate Mrs. Barth on this well-deserved nomination and thank her for the incredible contributions she is already making in the lives of Lansing students.