Lansing USD469 is proud to announce Miss Josie Nelson, 6th-grade math teacher at Lansing Middle School, as our Secondary 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.
Originally from Bellevue, Nebraska, Miss Nelson joined Lansing USD469 after graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She shares that teaching feels like a full-circle moment:
“One of my biggest inspirations in teaching is my family that taught in this district for years and retired here. Funny enough, I had no idea until after taking the job. It felt like such a full circle moment when I learned that, and I just know I truly belong here.”
For Miss Nelson, the heart of her role is connecting with students:
“What I enjoy most about my role and the work I do is connecting with students and watching them grow throughout the year inside and outside of the classroom. I relied on my teachers a lot in school and always felt like I had someone around who cared. Not everyone gets that same experience, but I hope to provide that for students in my building.”
She recalls a heartwarming memory when one of her students, who had been struggling with a math concept, earned a perfect score on a quiz after lots of extra effort:
“They were so proud of themselves and couldn't stop smiling the rest of class. Watching them experience that moment and see what they were capable of was amazing to see.”
Outside of teaching, Miss Nelson enjoys reading, attending and watching sporting events, and traveling in the summer. While most people know she played soccer for 16 years, many are surprised to learn that she was also in color guard during high school.
When asked to share advice, Miss Nelson emphasized the importance of asking questions:
“Even if it's not in front of class, getting help is so so important and so many of your peers need just as much help as you.”
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 Miss Nelson on this well-deserved nomination and are grateful for the lasting impact she is already making in the lives of Lansing Middle School students.