Jill Bergee and Casey Engel selected as district nominees for Kansas Master Teacher

Congratulations to Blue Valley educators Jill Bergee and Casey Engel who have been selected as the district’s nominees for the 2025 Kansas Master Teacher award.

 

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

 

Jill Bergee, an instructional design coach at Valley Park Elementary, joined Blue Valley Schools in 2017.

 

Education is a purposeful calling that Bergee approaches with compassion and intentionality.

 

"At the core of my philosophy is the belief that all children, regardless of background or ability, can achieve,” Bergee said. “This belief drives my commitment to structured, systematic instruction that supports each learner."

 

Casey Engel, an English Language Arts teacher at Blue Valley High, started with Blue Valley Schools in 2021.

 

Teaching is a meaningful journey that Engel embraces with both dedication and empathy.

 

"Among my promises to my students, the ability to give them grace while holding high expectations, to uplift them and to be their academic partner, as part of my educational philosophy involves 'walking the walk' as much as possible," Engel said.

 

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