By Andy Klotz—
MUNCIE, IN— Mary Kult and Kate Hughes have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ (MCS) Teachers of the Year for primary and secondary grades, respectively, for the 2024-25 school year.
MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds presented each with awards during a staff event today at Muncie Central High School. The event marked the return of teachers to school for the upcoming year, which begins Wednesday for students.
Kult is a kindergarten teacher at South View Elementary School who is exceptional at classroom management, successfully meeting every student’s individual needs. Her positive attitude is infectious among her colleagues, who also credit her with incredible leadership and family engagement abilities.
“Mary has had some of our most challenging students because of her amazing skills and patience,” South View Principal Dr. Casey Smitherman said. “She does a beautiful job handling her students who are always actively engaged in their learning. Watching her in action is pure magic.”
Hughes teaches AP World History to sophomores at Muncie Central and is known for accelerating student growth, preparing many of them to excel in other Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses. She connects with students in a way that makes them want to work harder and do better.
“Kate runs a tight ship in all of her classes, but it is always done with care and support,” Muncie Central Principal Chris Walker said. “She will always help a student out when they’re trying to meet expectations. There are simply not a lot of people that do what she does with all levels of our student population.”
Kult and Hughes each received plaques and $1,000 salary increases for their district awards, which is in addition to the $1,000 increases they received for being their school’s respective teacher of the year.
Other MCS building honorees recognized today include:
- Jamie Brimbury – Longfellow Elementary
- Devon Barbosa – North View Elementary
- Jake Hendershot – West View Elementary
- Lisa Bilby – Grissom Elementary
- Michelle Bergren – East Washington Academy
- Anthony Harter – Northside Middle School
- Monica Welcher – Southside Middle School
- Conner Polk – Muncie Area Career Center
For more information about Muncie Community Schools, please visit muncieschools.org.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society.
