Lawrence, KS

Congratulations to Kathryn Brooks, our 2025 Jefferson’s Lawrence Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Brooks teaches Science at West Middle School.

We can’t think of a better way to tell you what makes her an incredible teacher than by sharing directly from her nominators:

• “Ms. Brooks is always there for all of her students. She comes to our plays and orchestra and band concerts even though she does not have to do these things.”
• “She has a complete understanding of every student’s learning needs, including my own child’s. She tailors the curriculum to ensure that every student grasps the concept at hand. Every encounter that I have had with her is truly inspiring!”

Ms. Brooks also shared with us a teaching memory that has stuck with her: “I was trying to get through attendance in a particularly rowdy class, and it wasn’t going well. I randomly sang out ‘Tell me why!’ and to my surprise they sang back, ‘Ain’t nothing but a heartache,’ the next lyrics in the Backstreet Boys song. We all looked at each other for a moment and then I sang out ‘Tell me why!’ again until we finished the rest of the chorus. It turned a tense moment into something that we were able to have a good laugh about.”

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Brooks for her incredible impact in the classroom and beyond! 

Get Social

lawrence happenings

stay up-to-date on special events

“Coach of the year” hall of fame

Every year, in honor of National Coaches’ Day, Jefferson’s Lawrence recognizes a coach who goes above and beyond for their athletes and their community. These coaches have made an impact on their players’ lives on and off the field and have been nominated by school and community members.

Fundraisers

Need to raise money for your organization?