JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary USD 475 announced that Laura Thompson has been named the 2026 Kansas Association of Special Education Administrators Special Education Professional of the Year. "This recognition reflects our collective commitment to student success, and I am proud to work alongside these amazing professionals,” said Thompson.

Thompson, a speech language pathologist at Ware Elementary, began working in the district in 2010. During her tenure she has excelled in numerous roles, including currently serving as the department head for speech language pathologists, while also being a key member of USD 475’s Special Education Leadership Team. Thompson, who is a member of the Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association, also supports the district's MTSS process by developing and training on student intervention team processes for general education interventions. Finally, she is currently a member of the Professional Educational Leadership Academy with Kansas State University and has served on the state of Kansas’ SEAC committee.

Thompson will be recognized and honored at the 2026 KASEA Winter Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Wichita.

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 </figure>By Matt HooverUSD 475 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary USD 475 announced that Laura Thompson has been named the 2026 Kansas Association of Special Education Administrators Special Education Professional of the Year. "This recognition reflects our collective commitment to student success, and I am proud to work alongside these amazing professionals,” said Thompson.Thompson, a speech language pathologist at Ware Elementary, began working in the district in 2010. During her tenure she has excelled in numerous roles, including currently serving as the department head for speech language pathologists, while also being a key member of USD 475’s Special Education Leadership Team. Thompson, who is a member of the Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association, also supports the district's MTSS process by developing and training on student intervention team processes for general education interventions. Finally, she is currently a member of the Professional Educational Leadership Academy with Kansas State University and has served on the state of Kansas’ SEAC committee.Thompson will be recognized and honored at the 2026 KASEA Winter Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Wichita.

Thompson Named Special Education Professional of the Year