Crystal May is a fourth grade educator at Pray-Woodman Elementary in Maize, KS. She was nominated by Kansas National Education Association.
Crystal May did not set out to become a teacher. She spent her first year of college studying veterinary medicine before she had a moment of clarity about her eventual career path. May has a thirst for learning, thrives when presented with challenges, and loves interacting with children. These attributes eventually led her to elementary education where she stokes the love of learning for every child she teaches. She says her job is to make learning an exciting endeavor and to translate that love of learning for her students.
May also shares her passion for math with educators around the state. As a state certified math trainer, she encourages Kansas educators to try new strategies, to bring the standards to life, and to become teacher leaders.
She earned her BA in Elementary Education and MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University.
Learn more about the Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence and all the 2018 awardees here.
