Jefferson’s of Lenexa is pleased to announce that Megan Hoelscher has been named Jefferson’s 2026 Lenexa Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Hoelscher teaches band at Indian Woods Middle School, and has been teaching in the Kansas City area for her 25-year career. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading and long-distance running.
Mrs. Hoelscher was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by students and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Teachers’ Day on May 5, aims to recognize one of the many deserving educators in the Lenexa area. Jefferson’s selected Mrs. Hoelscher as the Lenexa Teacher of the Year for her ability to create an environment where every child knows they are valued and supported.
“Mrs. Hoelscher nominators spoke of her authentic, lifelong connections with students, past and present,” said franchisee/co-owner Nick Price. “Not only does Mrs. Hoelscher inspire her students to a level of excellence, but she also gives her own time generously to her students and coworkers. She’s deeply committed to ensuring her students have enriching musical experiences, but more importantly, she’s committed to growing her students into thoughtful, accountable people. Mrs. Hoelscher embodies everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders, and we’re honored to recognize her for her dedication to the Lenexa community.”
Hoelscher will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and her achievement will be commemorated on the “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque at the Lenexa restaurant.
“I am so grateful for getting to go to a job that I love every single day,” said Mrs. Hoelscher in a statement. “One of my favorite things is seeing students who come back to Indian Woods and share their fond memories of being in middle school. I’ve seen kids who were awkward, shy, and unsure of themselves grow into student leaders who achieve incredible things, and many of them attribute their successes to what they learned in band. It’s a beautiful thing to get to make music every day with students and to give them the tools that serve them beyond the classroom!”
Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program, with Jessica Barger, teacher at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, selected as Lenexa’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
This year is the sophomore run for the Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year award, launched as a companion program to Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award, which runs in the fall. The teachers’ initiative is open to teachers working with students of any age, and candidates could be nominated by students, parents and guardians of students, school officials, or other community members.