Sunflower School first-grade teacher Kassie Shook, center, turns to hug former coworker Jacque Shipstead, a retired Sunflower teacher, after Shook was announced as the USD 497 Master Teacher by superintendent Rick Doll Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 in the school library. Shook on Feb. 22, 2010, went on to be named a 2010 Kansas Master Teacher, chosen by Emporia State University.

Sunflower School first-grade teacher Kassie Shook is one of seven Kansas Master Teachers for 2010, Emporia State University announced Monday.

Shook is in her second stint at Sunflower, where she has taught for a total of 12 years. She was honored for relating skills to her students that are valuable outside the classroom.

“The love of teaching is taking the science and the art and being able to genuinely connect with your heart,” she said.

The Lawrence district nominated Shook in November. The awards are presented annually to teachers “who have served the profession long and well and who also typify the good qualities of earnest and conscientious teachers.”

The other winners are: Eleanor Browning, Emporia; Kathy Doussa, Dodge City; Michael Dunlap, Blue Valley; Lou Ann Getz, Manhattan-Ogden; Sheila Lewis, Shawnee Heights; and, Andrea Sayler-Siefkes, St. John-Hudson.

The winners will be honored March 31 on the Emporia State campus.