Growing up in Wichita, Kan., Suzanne Crow spent hours observing and helping her mother, a first grade teacher, which would have a lasting impact that led to her own career in elementary education.

For the past 26 years, Crow has poured her heart and soul into the children who enter her classroom and it has not gone unnoticed.

Crow was recently selected as Kingfisher Public Schools district teacher of the year.

That came after she was named the Gilmour Elementary School teacher of the year where she teaches second grade.

Others selected for teacher of the year at their respective buildings were Stephanie Harper, fourth grade teacher at Heritage; Mark Redwine, seventh grade world history teacher at KMS; and Carina Ponce, Spanish teacher at KHS.

The winners were announced at a districtwide staff meeting in late December and they were also presented to members of the Kingfisher Board of Education during their January regular meeting.

“I was definitely surprised and very honored,” said Crow about being selected by her peers as teacher of the year.

Beginning her career in her hometown of Wichita, Crow taught elementary students a total of nine years, two years teaching third grade and the rest as a second grade teacher.

She continued to teach second grade for 12 years at Cashion Public Schools and then made the move to KPS six years ago.

“I have learned a lot from all the teachers I’ve taught with through the years and I’ve become a better teacher since I’ve been teaching at Kingfisher,” Crow said.

Having taught in both large and small school systems, Crow said KPS reminds her of the school she graduated from.

“All the teachers and administrators I work with are awesome and they’ve taught me a lot of wonderful things,” Crow said

“I love teaching at Kingfisher,” she added, “…I love everything about it.”

All the second grade teachers work together as a team and meet at least once a week to share plans and ideas, Crow said.

“Everyone communicates well and brings different ideas to the table, which benefits the students,” she added.

Fellow second grade teacher Nikki Young said, “Suzanne Crow is probably the kindest person I have ever met.

“She truly loves her students with all of her heart and goes above and beyond to make sure her students not only learn, but have fun doing it.

“She’s creative in her teaching and comes up with some of the most amazing activities for her students, as well as volunteering extra time and going out of her way to help her colleagues.

Young said the honor was bestowed on the right person.

“A more deserving teacher could not be found for Kingfisher Public Schools’ teacher of the year,” she said.

“It has been a blessing working alongside her.”

Looking for innovative ways to engage her students, Crow said she tries to find the best qualities or gifts each child possesses and build a relationship with them.

“I try to be loving towards all the children,” Crow said, “and when they know I love them, they work hard and try to do their best.”

One of her favorite aspects of teaching is helping the children learn to read, she said.

“Seeing the joy and excitement in their eyes as they learn to read is so rewarding,” Crow said.

As the children leave her classroom and enter third grade, Crow said her goal is to have taught them everything they need to be successful academically as well as having fostered positive character traits such as being kind and respectful of others.

Crow also helps with the STARS after-school program and enjoys spending time with her husband of 26 years, Kingfisher firefighter Cliff Crow, daughters Jayden Flewallen (24) and husband Jace, and Ryan (20); and son Zacary (18). Her other interests include

Her other interests include scrapbooking, church activities and time on the beach.

“Mrs. Crow has a wonderful commitment to not only our students but to our school district,” said Shane Hood, who had served as both Gilmour and Heritage principal since the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.

“She works hard every day to help students and families reach their best.

“We are blessed as a district to have many great teachers and Mrs. Crow is one of the best.”