By Matt Hoover - USD 475 Communications Coordinator
Washington Elementary School first grade teacher Zayra Espinoza was recognized Thursday by the College of Education at Kansas State University for her exceptional work in the classroom. Each semester, the college of education produces a teacher recognition video series called Crash the Class, which showcases early career teachers who are K-State alums.
Espinoza was able to watch the video on Thursday in front of her students, parents and K-State faculty. “This means a lot. I was so emotional watching that video and it was so awesome to hear so many of my student’s comments. It really did touch my heart,” said Espinoza, a 2022 Kansas State graduate.
Ms. Espinoza, who is in her second year of teaching at Washington, was surprised in her classroom by Kansas State’s Dean of Education Debbie Mercer as well as video producer Kyle Wilson. By earning the recognition, Espinoza received several gifts from K-State to use in her classroom throughout the school year.