Each year, Grain Valley Schools calls on the community, our staff, and our students to nominate teachers and support staff who they believe are deserving of being named “Teacher of the Year” or “Support Staff of the Year”. After nominations close, finalists are announced and interviewed by a panel of outside judges. For Teacher of the Year, this panel includes education professionals from surrounding school districts. The Support Staff of the Year panel includes local community partners and business professionals. 

We are excited to announce this year's winners! 

Congratulations to the Teacher of the Year for 2026, Stacy Stiffler.

Stacy is a fifth-grade teacher at Sni-A-Bar Elementary and began her teaching career with the district 18 years ago. Mrs. Stiffler is an alumnus of Grain Valley Schools. “I think that since I am a Grain Valley Alum, it is extra special,” said Stacy Stiffler, “The teachers that raised me were here, and now I am trying to give back as much as I can, and honor what they did for all of us. It just really means a lot; Grain Valley is home, and has been for over thirty years.” 

Congratulations to the Support Staff of the Year for 2026, Mandi Brown.

Mandi is a paraprofessional at the Grain Valley Early Childhood Center and has worked at the Early Childhood Center since 2023.  “We have the best kids on the planet, they are so fun to work with and play with,” said Mandi Brown, “Having them reach their milestones is the most rewarding thing, so it’s just a great job.”