Buser, Hall named Master Teacher nominees

Blue Valley Schools is proud to congratulate district educators Abigail Buser and Heather Hall who have been selected as the district’s nominees for the 2026 Kansas Master Teacher award.

The award program, established by Emporia State University in 1954, recognizes excellence in Kansas educators.

Abigail Buser, a library media specialist at Harmony Elementary, joined Blue Valley Schools in 2024.

Buser said she is passionate about building trust and connection as the foundation for student growth and success.

"Relationships aren't soft skills; they are the most intricate and complex form of educational leverage to support student-centered instruction,” Buser said.

"Relationships aren't soft skills; they are the most intricate and complex form of educational leverage to support student-centered instruction,” Buser said. “It is the core teaching methodology that allowed me to find success, growth and achievement in the classroom.”

Heather Hall, a science teacher at Blue Valley West, started with Blue Valley Schools in 2010.

Hall said she approaches teaching as a creative design process, shaping learning experiences that help students grow in confidence and curiosity.

“In my current role, I don’t just teach science — I build learners,” Hall said.

“In my current role, I don’t just teach science — I build learners,” Hall said. “Over time I’ve come to see my role as that of an architect. While architects design buildings, teachers design learning experiences that give students the foundation to grow.”

A selection committee will review the nominees and select seven educators as Kansas Master Teacher honorees.