Teachers are the backbone of our Catholic schools, providing academic and spiritual guidance to help students thrive in and outside the classroom. This is especially true for Liz Gonzales, a kindergarten teacher at Resurrection Catholic School in Kansas City, KS, and this year’s Archdiocesan Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

“The biggest thing for me is being able to share my faith with my students, to bring Christ into every aspect of their learning — whether it’s reading, math or doing religion,” said Gonzales.

“Being able to share that faith with our students is a huge part of education for me, and a Catholic education specifically.”
- Liz Gonzales, 2024 Archdiocesan Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Gonzales, a graduate of Kansas State University, has been teaching for 12 years - 11 of them at Resurrection. When the award was announced at a school assembly in January, Gonzales’ students shared in her excitement, giving her high-fives, cheers and hugs.

In his nomination, Principal Kevin O’Brien shared that Gonzales exemplifies the school’s core values and is a great model of faith.

“She does an amazing job with our kindergartners promoting individual achievement,” said O’Brien. “She celebrates the diversity of her students in a way that makes every student feel welcome.”

Learn more about the award in this article from the Leaven.

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