Friday, May 23, 2025
Concordia Elementary School (CES) proudly announced Kelsey Abitz as Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.
Two teachers for Concordia Unified School District 333 (USD 333) received Teacher of the Year: Kelsey Abitz, counselor at CES, and Robin Daniels, CJSHS math teacher.
On April 12, in Salina, Kansas, Abitz and Daniels were recognized at a banquet for Kansas Teacher of the Year for Region 1.
Abitz is the counselor for CES, working with about 500 students, pre-K through fourth grade.
She graduated with a bachelor’s of science in elementary education from Kansas Wesleyan University as summa cum laude. She received a master’s of science in counseling psychology from Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, with honors.
Abitz said she has always had a passion for teaching and for children from a very young age, and always wanted to help.
Abitz is married to Jason Abitz. They have three children: Addison, Ellie and Callan. Abitz’s family is one of her biggest encouragers in her life.
When asked about an impactful moment in Abitz's life and career that shaped her focus and direction, she said, “I had a student who didn’t get a star at a specific time for not making good choices. They were very upset and saying, ‘I don’t care about stars, and I don’t care about getting good things, and I’m not going to try to do that… because I have no one at home who will cheer for me.’” Abitz says her breath was taken away.
Abitz continued, “It was a very eye-opening experience. I realized how big a chance you have to make a difference when it’s a kid’s life. I mean, positively and negatively. I told the boy I would be there to cheer for him, and I would be there to help him when he needed help.”
Helping children and their families is something Abitz tries to do every single day. "For every single student in our building, as well as our families, because they are all important, and we are a team,” she said.
Abitz mentioned that the needs of children must be met before they can do academic work. Like if they have not eaten, had water, or slept well. If she can’t support them at the school, she knows what resources to use that can help the children and their families.
“Someone who is a champion in my eyes and leads by example is Mrs. Blain,” said Abitz. Ashley Blain is the CES principal. Abitz said that without a great leader in the school, she could not work her best either.
USD 333 and CES stated, “For all she does and for who she is, we are better every day because of Mrs. Abitz. She battles for kids—our kids. Congratulations, Mrs. Abitz!”
