Not everyone is fortunate to find a career that feels like both a passion and a calling. Kristin Planz-Christian is one of the lucky ones.
For more than two decades, Planz-Christian has served as the life skills special education teacher at Tonawanda High School, helping students of differing abilities build independence, confidence and essential life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Recently, Planz-Christian found herself in the running for New York State Teacher of the Year. While she didn’t advance past the top seven, she said she was honored to be recognized for her work and dedication over the years.
Ron Scott is a parent in the district and the one who nominated Planz-Christian for Teacher of the Year. His son, Evan, has been in her class for the last six years. Evan will take the stage at graduation next week, and thanks to Planz-Christian’s efforts, Ron says Evan is set up for success after high school.
“Her students come to her as adolescents, but they become young men and young women, outfitted with skills for work and life,” said Scott. “Teacher of the Year? You bet.”
Scott said Planz-Christian’s efforts inside and outside the classroom have helped make her students well known throughout the school community. Her students contribute by delivering supplies, collecting recycling and sorting donated items for the school’s free store. Beyond the district, they support the broader community by stocking the Little Free Food pantry located in the Tonawanda Housing Authority.
Planz-Christian’s work with Unified Basketball and the Best Buddies program has also helped connect her students with peers across the school they may not otherwise interact with.
She has served as an assistant coach for the Unified Basketball program since 2000, supporting a team made up of students with and without disabilities. Beyond coaching, she works closely with student partners to model how to provide support in ways that promote independence and dignity, emphasizing that athletes with disabilities are not recipients of help, but essential members of the team.
Thanks to Coach Glen Gast and Planz-Christian’s efforts, the team grew to 28 students this year, with many new players reaching out to join after seeing the program’s impact.
“I feel like what I have done with these kids is make them more visible, so people know who they are and know their personalities,” said Planz-Christian.
For Planz-Christian, her students become part of her life beyond the classroom. She works closely with their families, celebrating achievements alongside parents and siblings.
“You have to love what you do. I love these kids, and that is what makes me keep loving my job,” she said.
One student who still holds a special place in her heart was a young homebound student Planz-Christian visited for instruction. The student inspired the creation of the character Princess P. Modeled after the concept of “Flat Stanley,” the Adventures of Princess P Facebook page followed the character’s travels around the world. She is grateful to all of the staff at TCSD who participated in this project. The student later passed away, but she continues to hold a permanent place in Planz-Christian’s heart.
Each year, Planz-Christian hosts a Thanksgiving feast, a tradition she said defines her as a teacher.
“I want my students to be seen the way I see them, as capable, resilient and full of potential,” Planz-Christian said. “Through experiences like this, they gain more than skills; they gain confidence, independence and a meaningful connection to their school community. This is where everything connects, and the students and our broader community begin to understand that they belong.”
Students organize and plan the feast for several days. Curating a guest list, planning the menu, and then taking roles based on their strengths to prepare the meal.
On the day of the feast, the classroom transforms into a vibrant space filled with conversation, laughter and connection. As hosts, students greet guests, serve meals and engage in meaningful dinner table conversations.
When it comes to the success of her students, programs and events, Planz-Christian said she could not do it without the support of her colleagues and all of the support staff she has had over the years, especially teacher assistant Kristina McGuire, who she said loves the students as much as she does.
“I couldn’t do my job without Kristina,” said Planz-Christian. “If you’re going to be in here with me, love them like I do.”