Each time Rachel Marlow (MEd ’15) enters her music classroom at Central Elementary in Olathe, she brings not only instruments and lesson plans but also a vibrant commitment to inclusion, compassion, and purpose. Named the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Rachel’s life and teaching philosophy illustrate that one’s purpose is continually unfolding.
Rachel’s calling to education began early. As a child, she was inspired by teachers who recognized her talents and encouraged her to take the lead. “My teachers took a personal interest in me,” she recalls. “They recognized areas I didn’t know I was gifted in, encouraged me to try out for choirs, and gave me opportunities to test out my skills.”
Her path to becoming a respected educator, however, was shaped by both challenge and resilience. After an ear infection at age two caused significant hearing loss, Rachel underwent 15 surgeries in elementary school. Her parents worked hard with doctors and speech pathologists to help Rachel heal. Her parents loved singing and surrounded her with music and reading aloud, helping her overcome her challenges by learning to enunciate, sing and try new things. Being able to teach music now is a happy outcome.
“A lot of it is based around a miracle,” she says, referring to being hearing impaired and teaching music. “Because of my challenges, I can see others’ challenges and find ways to connect with them to make learning meaningful for them.”
Rachel Marlow speaking at MNU for Educators Rising 2025, a regional competition/conference for aspiring teachers.
After earning her undergraduate degree in music education at Oklahoma City University, the Olathe native returned to the area to attend University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC). A volunteering stint at Kansas City Christian School (KCC) while at UMKC turned into a full-time music position. Rachel taught choral and instrumental music at KCC for five years. During that time, she realized she wasn’t connecting with certain students. “Something was missing,” she said. That desire led her to consider MidAmerica Nazarene University, where she pursued a Master of Education in Special Education.
“My time at MNU was incredibly positive and meaningful,” she says. “Professors poured into my professional and personal life. They were working educators themselves, so our discussions were practical and real. I gained a whole toolbox of strategies and a network of professionals who continue to support me.”
That experience transformed the way Rachel approaches teaching today. “I understand different ways to approach children’s challenges and struggles,” she explains. “Having taught in both music and special education, I have vast professional resources—people I can bounce ideas off of—and that changes how I teach.”
Members of the 2026 Kansas Teachers of the Year Team, travel across the state inspiring educators and future teachers, advocating for excellence and purpose in every classroom. L to R, Row 1: Susan Rogers, Lauren Sage, Troy St. Clair. Row 2: Tracie Betz, Rachel Marlow, Jason Peters, Julie Smith. Not pictured: Tranda Strnad.
Now, as the Kansas Teacher of the Year, Rachel will travel the state with seven regional finalists, visiting schools and universities to advocate for educators and inspire future teachers. “We’ll get to see what education looks like in different communities, large and small, rural and urban, and share our experiences,” she says. “I hope to inspire parents that their child can achieve what they want to achieve.”
Her message for students and teachers centers on compassion and purpose. “To me, being purposeful means teaching with intention paired with empathy,” Rachel says. “I try to help others recognize their worth, give every child a voice, and lead with patience and love.”
Rachel Marlow models a purposeful life, lifting others through teaching, through music, and through faith in what’s possible.
Learn more about the MNU’s teacher education programs at mnu.edu/pgs-education.
