Happy Educator Appreciation Week 2026!

About the Recognition Week

From May 4-8, 2026, the Shawnee Mission School District invites the community to join in celebrating Educator Appreciation Week. This national week of recognition is an opportunity to thank all of the amazing people who serve the One Shawnee Mission team.

Ways to Join the Celebration

• Send a Digital Card: Fill out the form including the SMSD team member's email address and a personal note. It will be sent directly to their email inbox.
• View Student Thank-You Video: Shawnee Mission recognizes that every staff member is an educator—whether their work is primarily in the classroom, the front office, the cafeteria, or across our many facilities. Click to see a video from our students.
• Share on Social Media: Share your appreciation for all who serve on the Shawnee Mission Team by including the hashtag #OneShawneeMission.

Discount Offerings

The Shawnee Mission School District is grateful to local businesses that offer discounts throughout this week and throughout the year to Johnson County educators. The Leawood Chamber, Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Johnson County Chamber, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, and Shawnee Chamber of Commerce partnered with local school districts to connect with discount offerings in our community. If you know a local business that offers a discount to educational employees or would like to offer a discount, please 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 nominated one teacher as their outstanding teacher of the year to be considered to advance in 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.

Nominate an All Star

Throughout the year, Shawnee Mission Board of Education members honor employees who serve our community with excellence through the Shawnee Mission All Star Award. You can recognize the excellent work of a team member by nominating them for a Shawnee Mission All Star award.