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Tammy Gipson Named Kansas VFW Middle School Teacher of the Year

St. Joseph Catholic School educator advances to national competition

Molli Fawl

10 Mar 2026 • 2 min read

VFW representatives present Tammy Gipson with the Kansas State Middle School Teacher of the Year honor

Tammy Gipson, a school teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in McPherson, has been named the Kansas State Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Kansas.

Gipson was selected for her exceptional commitment to education, her dedication to fostering civic responsibility, and her positive impact on students both in and out of the classroom. Through her passion for teaching, she inspires young learners to think critically, serve others, and develop a strong sense of character and citizenship.

Representing the VFW Department of Kansas, VFW District 5, and VFW Post #2715, Gipson will now advance to the national level, where she will compete against 52 other state-level educators for the prestigious Smart/Maher VFW National Teacher Award.

The VFW Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators who promote civic education, patriotism, and community involvement — values closely aligned with the VFW's mission of service to veterans, military families, and communities.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars congratulates Gipson on this recognition and thanks her for her continued service to students, families, and the McPherson community.