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Hannah Banks

Educator | F.L. Schlagle High School, Class of 2006

Hannah Banks is an educator with a heart full of warmth and a deep love for her community. As a proud member of the Kickapoo tribe in Kansas, Hannah’s journey is one of resilience and commitment to making a difference. She came to Kansas City, Kansas, through the foster care system and quickly fell in love with its people and the vibrant community. After graduating from Schlagle High School in 2006, her passion for teaching led her to Haskell Indian Nations University, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education in 2011.

Hannah's dedication to education extends far beyond the classroom. For eight summers, she worked for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School at Central States Conference, right in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas. There, she helped scholars connect with culturally relevant teaching and quality literature, fostering a love for reading and helping them avoid summer learning loss. These experiences deepened her bond with the community and fueled her determination to be a voice for representation in education, particularly as Indigenous teachers make up just 0.5 percent of the U.S. teaching force. Now, as she advances her expertise with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Hannah remains committed to creating a lasting impact.

In her eighth year as a 5th-grade teacher at M.E. Pearson Elementary School, Hannah brings her full self into her teaching. She draws on her own life experiences to create a nurturing and engaging environment where every student feels seen and valued. Her Native American heritage is central to her teaching, helping students understand that Native Americans are still here, contributing to society and making a difference. In her classroom, Hannah models resilience, showing her students that they too can overcome challenges and achieve great things.

Beyond teaching, Hannah is also a skilled photographer, using her talent to build connections within her community. Each year, she offers photography sessions to graduating students in USD 500, especially those who might not have the means to capture such important milestones. She also documents community and school events, believing in the importance of preserving memories and celebrating the potential of every young person. Through her work, Hannah isn’t just teaching—she’s shaping a brighter future, one where every child knows their worth and their power to make a difference.