HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Hutchinson Public Schools has named educators Lori Hill and Jessica Ray as district nominees for the prestigious Kansas Teacher of the Year program. Bringing a combined 35 years of instructional experience to their classrooms, both teachers emphasize student relationship-building as the core of their educational philosophy.
Lori Hill serves as an instructor at the Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy, teaching biomedical science, healthcare, law and public safety, and teaching careers in her twentieth year overall. Alongside her extensive community involvement and hands-on forensic coursework, she balances her academic instruction with a deeply personal commitment to guiding students through career paths and challenging times.
Jessica Ray teaches second grade at Lincoln-McCandless Elementary, marking her sixteenth year in education and her previous recognition with the Davis Foundation Teacher of the Year award. She focuses on fostering safe, engaging environments and cherishes foundational connections with students that build curiosity and community every day.
Together, these nominees reflect the dedication and leadership present throughout the district’s schools.
