Happy Educator Appreciation Week 2026!

Commencement

From May 4-8, Shawnee Mission School District invites the community to celebrate Educator Appreciation Week. This national week of recognition honors all dedicated individuals who serve the One Shawnee Mission team.

How to Show Gratitude

• Send a digital card to express thanks. Many schools and community members have their own celebrations planned. Click here to send a card. Fill out the form, including the SMSD team member's email address, and include a personal note. It will be sent directly to their email inbox.

Student Perspective

Shawnee Mission recognizes that every staff member is an educator. Click here to watch a video from our students expressing their gratitude.

Discounts

The Shawnee Mission School District appreciates local businesses offering discounts to Johnson County educators. For more information or to offer a discount, contact adcommun@smsd.org.

Celebratory Events

• On April 6, Shawnee Mission honored educators from every school in the district with a Kansas Teacher of the Year ceremony. Each school had the chance to nominate one teacher as their outstanding teacher of the year and to be considered for the statewide KTOY program.

• Audrey Gilroy, an art teacher at Westridge Middle School, was named a Region 3 Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist. Julia Orth, a third grade teacher at Nieman Elementary, was named a semifinalist.

• On May 7, during Educator Appreciation Week, Shawnee Mission will honor retirees and service pin recipients. We thank everyone for their dedication to Shawnee Mission, whether this was their first year or whether they have served more than 40 years.

Social Media

To share your appreciation for all who serve on the Shawnee Mission Team, include the hashtag #OneShawneeMission on social media.

Nominate an All Star

Recognize the excellent work of a team member by nominating them for a Shawnee Mission All Star award. Click here to nominate an SMSD employee.