Great Bend USD 428 welcomed 37 new teachers to the district for the 2024-2025 school year. This diverse group of educators includes some new to the teaching profession, as well as experienced teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the district.
As part of their onboarding process, the new teachers participated in “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” training on July 30 and 31. This program equips educators with strategies to create positive, high-achieving learning environments by focusing on building strong relationships with students.
Following this training, the new teachers attended New Teacher Orientation on Aug. 1-7. This comprehensive orientation is designed to familiarize them with the operational aspects of working within USD 428, as well as to immerse them in the spirit of the Great Bend community.
“Starting a new teaching position can be both exciting and overwhelming,” said John Popp, Assistant Superintendent of USD 428. “Our New Teacher Orientation covers the essential operational aspects of working in our district, but we also hope it captures the spirit of Great Bend. Thanks to the thoughtful planning by our staff, the hospitality of our community partners, and the collaboration of our mentor teachers, we believe our new teachers will feel supported and ready to thrive.”
The orientation schedule included five half-day sessions in the USD 428 Board Room, a bus tour of Great Bend to familiarize the new teachers with the community, and several networking opportunities. These included a social hour hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and FUEL Barton County, as well as a mentor luncheon sponsored by Credit Union of America.
Great Bend Public Schools is committed to supporting its educators and fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment for all.
For more information about job opportunities at USD 428, contact the Human Resources Department at 620-793-1500 or visit www.428jobs.net.
2024 New Teachers
Great Bend High School: Hugo Gonzalez, AG/CTE Teacher; Jesus Sanchez, Math; Kimberly Lovesee, Science; Lars Leuders, Science; Luke Maneth, Science; Tate Thompson, English
Great Bend Middle School: Andy Gwennap, Special Education; Dilansy Tracy, Special Education; Julianna Angleton, English; Kimberli Simms, Band; Mark Cook, Science; Morgan Irwin, Social Studies; Rachelle Metcalf, Life Skills; Taylor Richter, PE
Eisenhower Elementary: Bailey Streit, Special Education; Kaylee Unruh, Kindergarten; Macy Miller, Grade 5; Mara Fletchall, Grade 2; Olivia Reyes, Special Education; Steele Brack, Grade 3
Jefferson Elementary: Cassie Morales, Grade 6; Lindsay Luttrell, Music; Maria Gray, Grade 5
Lincoln Elementary: Donovan Paden, Grade 4; Wendy Brack, Grade 1
Riley Elementary: Allison Adams, Special Education; Danny Franco, PE; Kristan Larsson, Special Education; Richard Koshgarian, Grade 6
Little Panthers Preschool: Baylee Beck, Preschool Teacher; Maria Pasos, Preschool Teacher; Michala Bieker, Preschool Teacher; Tabatha Holusha, Kindergarten
Barton County Special Services: Carla Ryan, Special Education; Crystal Zink, Speech Language Pathologist; Laura Sanchez, Speech Language Pathologist; Stephen Keasling, Instructional Support
