Great Bend USD 428 is excited to welcome 34 new teachers to the district for the 2026-27 school year.

The new staff members, including veteran educators new to USD 428 and those just beginning their teaching careers, recently completed a five-day New Teacher Orientation. The week provided an opportunity to learn more about USD 428, build relationships with colleagues and mentors, and receive training focused on instruction, curriculum, district policies, and other essential tools for a successful start in the classroom.

As part of USD 428’s commitment to developing educators, several new staff members are participating in the district’s Instructional Support Personnel (ISP) pathway. ISP educators are filling classroom teaching roles while pursuing a pathway toward teacher licensure. The program provides an opportunity for teacher assistants, paraprofessionals, and other qualified applicants to transition into classroom teaching while receiving the support and preparation needed to become licensed educators.

Each new teacher has also been paired with a mentor teacher who will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout their first one to two years with the district.

“We are so excited to welcome this group of new educators to USD 428,” said JoAnn Blevins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “There is so much energy and enthusiasm among our new staff, and our role is to build on that excitement by providing the support, resources, and relationships they need to feel confident and successful as they begin their journey with us. We are thrilled to have them as part of the Panther family.”