Second-year social studies teacher Becca Doerksen was named the USD 266 secondary education nominee for the Horizon Award. The Horizon Award is a program that recognizes excellent teachers in Kansas, honoring teachers who completed their first year by fulfilling their role and going above and beyond what’s expected of them.

Doerksen said she found out she was nominated when superintendent Chad Higgins and other administrators appeared in her room while she was teaching.

“My heart was pounding because my first thought was ‘Why are they all here to observe me?’,” Doerksen said. “My next thought was, ‘I don’t know what I did but I’m getting fired.’”

Once someone is nominated for the award, the application process begins. There are three sections to the application: a general information form, five essays questions on various topics and letters of support.

“This part [support letters] was extremely hard for me because I do not like bragging about my abilities

or accomplishments,” Doerksen said. “It was a rewarding experience to read the letters that various parents, colleagues, administration, and students wrote about me.”

Doerksen said that many of her former students are still very close to her, returning to class to give friendly greetings. Senior Morgan Thomas, who was her student last year, said Doerksen’s genuine interest in connecting with students is appreciated.

“Unlike most other teachers, she’s very active in her students’ lives,” Thomas said. “She’s always there

when a student needs her. She’s also very understanding of students having lives outside of school and other classes that take up their time.”

Doerksen said she loves her students just as much as they love her. She said she always makes it a point to bond with her students and help them through whatever situations they’re facing. Though the work can be hard, she said that she finds the reward well worth the effort.

“My main mission as a teacher is to love kids and make a difference in their lives,” Doerksen said.

“Teaching is one of the most difficult professions. The physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion we face as teachers can be so overwhelming at times. Despite all the stress and exhaustion, I love my job. Teaching doesn’t seem like a job to be because I love what I do.”

Having to pick the top 32 first-year teachers in the entire state, the process is time consuming. Though applications were due Oct. 11, teachers don’t get confirmation of their potential win until December or early January.

“The Kansas State Department defines this award as recognizing ‘exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding,’” Doerksen said. “Even though I am not a perfect teacher, nor will I ever be, this nomination gives me hope that my efforts are being recognized and more importantly that I am making a difference in my students’ lives.”