Kathy Bowen, who teaches gifted programs at Hillcrest and Sunset Hill schools in Lawrence, was named the district’s 2012-13 Master Teacher on Friday.

Hillcrest School Principal Tammy Becker, left, congratulates Kathy Bowen Friday on being named the Lawrence Master Teacher for 2012-13. Sunset Hill Principal Chris Bay is in the background.

The award is presented each year by the Lawrence Education Achievement Partners, or LEAP, a collaboration among the district, area businesses and community organizations. The winners are then nominated for the Kansas Master Teacher program sponsored by Emporia State University’s Teachers College. ESU will recognize seven Kansas Master Teachers in the spring.

Lawrence Superintendent Rick Doll made the announcement during a school assembly at Sunset Hill. KU Credit Union, a LEAP partner, presented Bowen with a check for $2,500.

“Kathy regularly goes above and beyond her required responsibilities to support her students and colleagues,” Hillcrest Principal Tammy Becker said. “Activities range from taking a group of students to a daylong event on a Saturday, or coming in early to help students prepare for a contest such as the Geography Bee.”

School psychologist Keri Prichard nominated Bowen for the award.

“Mrs. Bowen plans engaging lessons in reading and math and spends time working with students on independent research projects,” Prichard said. “She allows her students’ interests to take the lead, while still providing sound instructional guidance — something that requires going the extra mile when planning lessons each day.”

Bowen joined the Lawrence district in 2005 after a 30-year career as a teacher and gifted education and curriculum coordinator in Billings, Mont. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Montana State University.