Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Pam Allender - Hutchinson, Kansas

When Pam Allender was asked to state what her educational goals and teaching philosophy is, she responded by stating that “teaching is an opportunity to touch the next generation and is an enormous responsibility”. She continued by saying that she tries to have a “calm classroom where students feel safe and can work at their own level to make strong academic progress”.  She also wants “each student to feel successful and kind.”

 Mary Margaret Cashman- Shawnee Mission, Kansas

The educational goals and teaching philosophy of Mary M. Cashman include “Be friends with the students. Be a teacher who will listen. Be someone who is quick to praise and slow to criticize.” She goes on to state that one should “Get to know the parents and establish a good rapport through frequent communications.” These goals and philosophies were what served her for 30 years as a public instructor and 50 years as a parochial instructor.

Johanna Forshee - Wichita, Kansas

The educational goals and teaching philosophy of Johanna Forshee has grown and changed over her 50 years of teaching in rural, urban, and inner-city schools. Some of her ideas have remained the same while others changed due to evolving “education, circumstances, collaboration, and learning”. She says, “acceptance is the key” and “continuously finding new ways to teach and empower students”.

Kris Trimmer - Winfield, Kansas

Kris Trimmer believes that “good teachers are motivators who must be well versed in their subject matter which requires going beyond what is in the textbook”. When asked about her educational goals and teaching philosophy, she quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson who once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” She believes enthusiasm is contagious and it will cause students to “become involved in and ultimately responsible for their own education.” 

Chris Vitt - Hiawatha, Kansas
“As a teacher, I want our graduates to be good citizens who will contribute to their communities and who will have happy and fulfilling lives” is Mr. Vitts’ stated educational goal. His teaching philosophy is to “make science curriculums interesting and applicable to daily life.” He believes students must see “how scientific methods and fact-based information can help them make informed decisions”.

Randy Willis - Hoisington, Kansas

Mr. Willis was a speech and debate teacher who believes that educators are facilitators of learning.  He thinks teachers must identify strategies that ensure student learning and growth. His philosophy is that the skills taught and practiced  in speech and debate will enhance a students’ opportunity to become contributing adults in the communities in which they reside.

Toni Wolff - Caldwell, Kansas

Toni writes that her philosophy of teaching is the belief that “all children can learn and have the right to learn without interference from other students.” She also believes that “learning should be an enjoyable experience for students.” Her goal as an educator has been to use her abilities to help students become successful in life. 

Dalvin Yager - Derby, Kansas

​​​Mr. Yager’s philosophy for teaching was “Go Have fun.” He believes that if “whether it was speaking, debating, or performing, if we were doing it right, it would be fun”. As a teacher, he saw his role to help his students be prepared for the challenges and opportunities they would face it would be from skills they would have in public speaking as key to success in their future.