A high school biology teacher from Dodge City High School is the 2015 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Shannon Ralph has taught for 18 years in middle and high school, with 13 years at Dodge City High School teaching biology, honors biology and AP biology. Her selection was announced by Kansas Interim Education Commissioner Brad Neuenswander during a ceremony in Wichita Saturday night.

She has received numerous previous honors and has presented at several national conferences.

Ralph will receive $4,000, a free rental car for a year for her Teacher of the Year duties, free enrollment to several Kansas universities for life and other prizes.

Ralph was chosen from among eight finalists, who will work together this year to promote education and teaching.