By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - For Tana Stafford teaching at Eisenhower Elementary USD 475 is more than just a career, it’s coming home. A proud Eisenhower alum, she now teaches kindergarten in the very halls where she first fell in love with learning.“Being in USD 475 and at Eisenhower Elementary feels like coming full circle. It’s an honor to inspire students in the same place that inspired me,” said Stafford.
Her journey with Geary USD 475 began in 2021 as an ACSS paraprofessional. The following year, while finishing her student teaching, she continued working part time as a para, gaining hands-on experience and building strong relationships with staff and students. In 2023, she stepped into her dream role as a certified kindergarten teacher at Eisenhower where she’s been ever since.“Being a teacher means inspiring students to learn and grow while fostering resilience and a love for learning,” said Stafford. “I love being silly and having fun with my students, but I also hold them to high expectations. I want them to believe in themselves and keep trying, even when things get tough.”
That mindset extends beyond the classroom as reflection is a big part of her teaching philosophy. At the end of each day, she takes time to think about what went well and what could be improved.“Even on the hard days, I try to focus on the positives and come up with solutions for any challenges that came up,” said Stafford, who was a part of the Golden Key International Honor Society at Kansas State University. To fully understand why Stafford can impact her class, daily, with enthusiasm and a love for teaching, we must go back to her roots as she is a Fort Riley native. As a young student, Stafford attended Fort Riley Elementary USD 475, Eisenhower Elementary USD 475, Junction City Middle School USD 475 and Junction City High School USD 475. Throughout the years, she earned numerous academic honors, including being a National Society of High School Scholar, Phi Theta Kappa member and a National Society of Leadership and Success honoree.
Though she doesn’t come from a family of teachers, education runs deep in her roots. Her mother, a social worker and now therapist, inspired her to work with children and continues to offer valuable insight into classroom management and student support.As we head into the midway portion of November, she’s especially proud of her students’ progress, not just in academics, but in confidence and resilience.“When they take risks, try something new, and realize they can do it, I’m right there celebrating with them,” said Stafford.
Looking back on her journey from Eisenhower student to now Eisenhower teacher, she’s filled with gratitude.“Teaching is more than a job to me, it’s a calling. I’m grateful every day to do what I love,” said Stafford.