Teacher of the month

Josh Rubino
Josh is an English and creative writing teacher at Central High School. He has been teaching for three years, all at Central. Josh was inspired to pursue teaching by the phenomenal English teachers he had in high school and college. He is passionate about the value of literature and writing and aims to impart that to his students. His favorite part of teaching is building relationships with students and seeing them grow as readers, thinkers and writers. Nothing delights him more than when a student finds insight in a book that he had never considered or when students wow him with a creative approach to a project. A fun fact about Josh is that he plays the drums in a local rock band!

Kaitlyn Elder
Kaitlyn is an agriculture education teacher at Central High School. She has been teaching for two years, both at Central. Kaitlyn chose agriculture education due to her deep passion for agriculture—she is a seventh-generation agriculturalist and it has always been a significant part of her life. She loves the diversity and hands-on experiences that come with teaching in an agriculture classroom. No two days are ever the same, and each day brings new opportunities for learning, growth and real-world application. Kaitlyn enjoys sharing her excitement and building connections with her students and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members. Many of her students begin her class with little knowledge of agriculture, but by the time they leave they understand how much agriculture influences their daily lives. Some fun facts about Kaitlyn include that she graduated from South High School, in high school she served as the Salina FFA president and now it has come full circle with her being the Salina FFA advisor.

Shannon Peters
Shannon is a junior and senior chemistry and physical science teacher at Central High School. He has been teaching for a total of 31 years, with 30 of those at Central High. Shannon has a passion for learning and takes pride in sharing his knowledge with others. His favorite part of teaching is building meaningful connections with students, families and colleagues. Shannon finds joy in helping young people grow, learn and overcome the challenges they face. He was inspired to choose teaching as a profession by his own teachers during his education. One specifically being Mr. Keller, his fourth-grade teacher. Mr. Keller holds a special place in Shannon’s heart as he was a kind and caring individual who made Shannon and his classmates feel valued and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. A fun fact about Shannon is that he saved a life by performing the Heimlich maneuver during a church potluck. The individual dislodged his false teeth and a chicken bone

Forrest Jenkins
Forrest is a geometry and nancial algebra teacher at Central High School. He has been teaching for seven years total, four of which have been at Central. Inspired by his high school wrestling coach and math teacher, Forrest has a deep appreciation for discussing mathematical concepts. He enjoys watching students tackle math problems in their own unique ways and discovering their individual cognitive styles for solving them. A fun fact about Forrest, outside the classroom, he's not only competed in Super Smash Bros tournaments to make money but has also hosted competitor events with over 100 participants.

Jenn Fritz
Jenn is a culinary arts teacher at Central High School. She has been teaching for 21 years, with the last ve at Central. Jenn's passion for teaching began in the sixth grade. She was also inspired by two of her own teachers, Tim Lambert and Ted Busse, from elementary and high school. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing her students grow and succeed as they try new things. A fun fact about Jenn is that she loves to bow hunt for deer in a tree stand.

Grace Holgerson
Grace is a ninth grade English and reading teacher at Central High school. She has been teaching for two years, both of which have been at Central. Grace has always had a passion for wanting to help others. She went to Central and loved her English teachers during high school. This, as well as her mother’s (Aimee Holgerson) 26 year teaching career for her inspiration to enter teaching. Grace grew up being in her mother’s classroom a lot. She was shown infinite ways that teachers support their students and knew she wanted to do the same. Grace enjoys seeing her students connect personally with what they are learning, and when they see themselves as readers, writers and scholars. She loves seeing students take academic risks, be confident and share their thinking. Fun facts about Grace are that she coaches girls tennis, and she has two cats, Duck and Moss.

Mark Vaughn
Mark is a P.E and health teacher at Central High school. Mark has been a teacher for three years, all of which have been at Central. Mark was inspired to choose teaching as a profession because of his parents, both of whom were educators. He hopes to have a positive impact in the lives of his students, much like his own teachers and coaches throughout his life. Mark's favorite part about teaching is being able to forge meaningful connections with his students and witness their growth throughout their time in high school. 

Lexie Ellerbeck
Lexie teaches freshman - senior French, Debate and Forensics at Central High school. She has been teaching for four years total, all at Central. Lexie was inspired by her teachers growing up, especially her high school teachers who cared deeply and encouraged her in times of need. Lexie wanted to do that same thing for her students. She enjoys the privilege of having the same students in class all four years of high school, she is able to connect and build bonds with her students during that four year time frame. A fun fact about Lexie is that she lived in France for four months during college.