Wichita State University’s College of Education (formerly the College of Applied Studies) and Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) received the 2026 Exemplary School-University Partnership Award from the National Association for School-University Partnerships (NASUP).

University and district leaders were recognized with the award on Feb. 13 at the NASUP Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

The NASUP Exemplary School-University Partnership Award honors distinctive school-university partnerships that demonstrate sustained impact and ongoing contributions to educator preparation. The WSU–WPS partnership, established in 1995, is one of the longest continuously operating school-university collaborations in the region.

“This recognition reflects nearly three decades of shared commitment to clinically rich educator preparation and meaningful workforce development,” said Heidi Stinchcomb, associate dean of the College of Education at Wichita State University. “Our mutually beneficial partnership ensures that both the university and the district learn from one another, strengthening the educator pipeline and preparing professionals who are ready to serve Wichita’s schools.”

The partnership spans dozens of schools across USD 259, Kansas’ largest school district. Each year, more than 450 Wichita State teacher candidates complete clinical experiences in district classrooms, supported by more than 200 cooperating teachers, along with building leaders, instructional coaches, district specialists and university faculty.

The collaboration prepares teachers and school leaders to serve Wichita’s students.

In 2023, district and university leaders relaunched the Professional Development School Leadership Team to strengthen coordination, placement processes and shared decision-making. The team includes district administrators, principals, human resources partners, faculty, university supervisors and program coordinators.

The partnership also plays a critical role in workforce development. Teacher candidates complete early field experiences, practicums and full-time student teaching placements in district schools. Graduate students in educational leadership programs conduct action research in collaboration with school and district leaders, focusing on issues such as literacy, student attendance and school improvement.

Cooperating teachers who mentor candidates are eligible to earn graduate credit and are formally recognized for their role in preparing the next generation of educators.

In addition to the partnership award, Stacy Chestnut, English teacher at East High School, received the NASUP Mentor Teacher Award.

For more information about Wichita State University’s College of Education, visit wichita.edu/education.