Kansas Named Brandy Lane 2027 Teacher of the Year

The Eisenhower Middle School English teacher will now compete for the national title.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stack of books and a pen on a surface, representing middle school education. — The Kansas State Department of Education has selected seventh-grade English teacher Brandy Lane as the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Kansas State Department of Education has named Brandy Lane the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Lane was selected from eight finalists for her work in the classroom.

Why it matters

This award highlights excellence in secondary education across the state and honors teachers with extensive experience in the classroom.

Lane, an educator with 20 years of experience, received a $4,000 cash award and a scholarship for college courses. She was chosen following an awards banquet held in Wichita.

The players

Brandy Lane

A seventh-grade English teacher at Eisenhower Middle School with two decades of experience in the classroom.

Kansas State Department of Education

The state agency responsible for overseeing public education and recognizing teaching excellence.

The details

Brandy Lane teaches seventh-grade English language arts at Eisenhower Middle School in Goddard, Kansas. She earned her bachelor's degree from Washburn University and a master's degree from Baker University. As part of her recognition, Lane and the other finalists will participate in travel to promote education throughout the state.

September 19, 2026: Brandy Lane was officially selected as the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

The Home Front

The selection process aligns with the broader structure of the National Teacher of the Year Program. This honor marks a significant milestone in the career of a teacher representing Kansas on the national stage.

Families with students in Eisenhower Middle School can look forward to the continued leadership Lane provides in her English language arts classes. Parents across Kansas may see increased focus on educational advocacy as the finalists begin their statewide promotional work.

The takeaway

This recognition underscores the dedication required to excel in middle school education over a 20-year career. Families can celebrate local academic leadership by supporting teachers who engage directly with the national educational community.