Challenger Intermediate School

Congratulations to Shanda Busby, Sixth Grade Teacher at Challenger Intermediate School, and one of the two Kansas Teacher Of The Year (KTOY) district nominees for Goddard Public Schools. This award recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state of Kansas. The mission of this Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession. “Mrs. Busby is an exceptional educator whose passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and commitment to educational excellence have made her a valued member of our school community and an inspiration to colleagues and students,” shared Darrin SanRomani, Challenger Principal. “Her classroom is a welcoming space where every child feels valued and motivated to achieve their best. Shanda is known for her innovative lesson planning, always integrating hands-on activities, real-world application and use of technology to make learning engaging and meaningful for her students. One of Busby’s greatest strengths is her ability to foster a positive and supportive classroom environment. She actively collaborates with other teachers and her willingness to mentor new teachers, share resources, and offer guidance has made a lasting impact on our faculty, improving instructional practices.” Pamela Cole, 5th & 6th Grade STEM Teacher at Challenger, shared her experience working alongside Busby at the school. “Mrs. Busby has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment, as well as an innovative approach to teaching that inspires and empowers her students daily. Her dedication to student growth and well-being has made a profound impact on our school community,” said Cole. “Busby’s creativity and dedication to experiential learning have transformed her classroom into an active space of engagement and exploration. She consistently introduces new ideas and project-based learning experiences that bring social studies to life.” Thank you, Mrs. Busby, for all you have done and will do to continue to educate our #265Family for lifelong success!