Veteran Teacher Recognition

It has been said that teaching is the profession that creates other professions. Satanta National Honor Society would like to recognize a group of veteran Satanta teachers who we believe have truly earned the title of “Veteran Teacher.” Each of them has served USD 507 for at least 10 years with at least 20 years of service to public education. 

 Here is the list of honorees:

 Melissa Dusin has been an educator for 22 years, serving USD 507 for the last 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and an ESL endorsement from Fort Hays State University. She currently teaches first grade. 

Karen Burrows is in her 23rd year in education. She holds BAs in English and Philosophy and an MA in English, as well as reading specialist, ESL, and building leadership licenses from FHSU. She is currently the principal at Satanta Grade School, and she coaches cross country and track. She loves her job because she works with great adults and great kids!

Janis Grover is in her 23rd year of teaching. She has worked for USD 507 since 2005. She completed her bachelor's in English at Oklahoma Panhandle State University and her master’s in liberal studies at Fort Hays State University. She currently teaches JH English and reading as well as HS journalism. She coaches the forensics team and sponsors the Class of 2024, KAYs, and JH student council. 

Ryan Burrows is in his 24th year of teaching. He has worked for USD 507 since 1998. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from Fort Hays State University. He is currently teaching English I, II, III, and Concurrent Comp I and II. He coaches high school scholars’ bowl, is the sponsor of Satanta National Honor Society, and sponsors the freshman class. 

Leanne Howie, a Satanta High School alumni, has spent the last 25 years at USD 507, 21 years as an educator and four as a school board member. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Bachelor’s in Music Education from Southwestern College. In her current role, she is an elementary reading interventionist and migrant director.

Sidra Kraemer, a Satanta High School alumni, has been In education for 25 years, starting in education in 1997. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City and Masters in Special Education from Emporia State University. Her current teaching assignment is 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade English Language Arts.

Stacey King has given 26 years to public education with 23 years at Satanta. A much-beloved Kindergarten teacher, she has a Bachelor’s in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Washburn University and a Master degree in Special Education/ Early Childhood from Emporia State University. King is a cross country coach. 

Tim Dusin has given 27 years to public education. Ten of those years have been at USD 507. He has a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and Masters Degree in building leadership from Fort Hays State University. His current teaching assignment is high school social studies: US History, World History, Government, World Geography, and Current Events. He coaches high school boys’ basketball, baseball and sponsors Student Council and S-Club. 

Joyce Apsley has taught for 28 years in USD 507. She graduated from Butler County Community College in 1989 and Tabor College in 1991. She currently teaches junior high math and has coached many sports and activities over the years, including volleyball, basketball, softball, and quiz bowl. She currently serves as a junior class sponsor and USD 507 athletic director.

After college, Satanta High School alum, Steven Taton, returned to our community and began his teacher career in 1987.  Since then, he has had the opportunity to teach students different subject areas and at various grade levels, ranging from first grade to seniors.  He also served as the grade school principal from 2013-2018.  This is his 35th year at Satanta, and he is currently teaching mathematics to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon, and his master’s degree from Kansas Newman University in Wichita.

Janie Lutz has spent 40½ years in education, dedicating her entire career to USD 507. She began teaching in Satanta in January 1982. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from University of Nebraska at Kearney and Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Fort Hays State University. She currently teaches Geometry, Algebra 2, Algebra 3, and Concurrent College Algebra and Statistics. She is a Senior Class Sponsor.

Judy Stuckey is in her 44th year teaching, with the last 10 of those being in Satanta.  She graduated with her Bachelors of Science degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University with a double major in Family and Consumer Science Education (Home Economics Education at the time) and in Elementary Education. She later earned her Master’s Degree in English as a Second Language from Kansas Newman University. Her current teaching assignment is junior high and high school Family and Consumer Sciences and sponsoring Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

Satanta High School teacher Ryan Burrows, said of his colleagues, “The combined experience of this group is a source of strength in Satanta, and we thank each member of this group for their years of service to the district. We look forward to many more years together.” 

Satanta National Honor Society provided framed certificates and golden apple pins to each teacher using funds earned by serving the Satanta Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.