The Rewards of Teaching: Lone Jack Teacher Leaving Lasting Impact
For close to 40 years, Ken Howard has been a fixture at Lone Jack — the kind of teacher who becomes a pillar of the community. Even after retiring, the Lone Jack legend came right back, stepping into whatever role the district asked him to play. History, health, PE, coaching — you name it, Howard has taught it. And still, after 39 years at Lone Jack, he shows up every day with the same energy that’s made him a school and community legend.
“I had a teacher tell me one time that if you pick an occupation you really enjoy, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Howard said. “That turned out to be true. The kids keep you young and going. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.”
Howard’s love for teaching started on the football field. A quarterback at Missouri Valley College, he thought he might pass along the lessons he’d learned from his coaches. His first job was at Maysville, Mo., teaching junior high history and PE and coaching track, football, and basketball.
That year he made $11,000.
“We kind of lived paycheck to paycheck,” he said with a chuckle. “It made you appreciate what you had as you got older.”
Still, Howard had found his calling. “It was a learning experience that first year,” he said. “You’re really not experienced until you have that class in front of you. You learn every student is different, and you have to adapt.”
When the chance came to be head football coach at Lone Jack, under the leadership of his own former high school coach, Howard took it. That move not only brought him closer to family, it began a 39-year journey with the Lone Jack C-6 School District.
Over the years, Howard has taught elementary PE, middle and high school PE, health, government, and — his favorite — history.
“I love history because it’s stories, it’s people, it’s learning how the past connects to the present,” he said.
Former student and current Lone Jack special education teacher Briana Balandron remembers those classes well.
“He was my seventh, eighth and ninth grade teacher,” she said. “In seventh grade, we had to dress as a person from history and do a report. I chose Rosa Parks. He always had us doing creative projects like that, and looking back, I have such appreciation for how prepared he always was.”
Balandron admits she may have taken his steady presence for granted back then. “As a middle schooler, I probably would have called him monotone,” she laughed. “But he was always giggling about something, and you knew he loved what he was doing. The fact that he still loves it this much makes me think I can be here for the long haul, too.”
Howard’s career has always been a family affair. His wife, Kim, worked in the district for 24 years as a library assistant and central office staff member. She still subs and helps in the office monthly. Their two children graduated from Lone Jack, and now a niece and her husband both teach in the district. When they’re not attending their grandkids’ games and events, the Howards can still be found in the stands at Lone Jack sporting events. He is at the point in his career where his students are often children, and sometimes grandchildren, of former students.
“Sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side,” Howard said. “I like the people in Lone Jack. I like the students. I just really like the community.”
Howard’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Lone Jack Superintendent Kathy Butler calls Howard the “calm in the storm.”
“Ken is relatable to everyone. He’ll talk to you about your family, he doesn’t forget things, and he loves this district,” Butler said. “Even without the title, he mentors our teachers. He reminds us of why we’re here: for the kids.”
“We feel blessed,” Butler added. “We’re a tiny district in Jackson County. He could have driven 10 miles west and his salary would have been raised by $10,000. He chose to stay because he is dedicated to this school system.”
After 43 years as an educator, Howard has seen plenty of change — from chalkboards and heavy textbooks to smart boards and online learning. But he insists that there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the students.
“Kids are kids,” Howard said. “They want to be heard, they want to be engaged. I try to get them to think critically, because that prepares them for adulthood.”
Teachers need to be patient with shifts in technology and teaching practices, Howard said, because in four or five years, it’ll change again. “You just have to go with the flow,” he said.
Fellow history teacher and family member Robbie England said Howard models that adaptability for everyone.
“He’s the elder, in the best way,” said England. “He’s someone people go to for guidance. His passion for what he does and for helping people is the biggest thing. Honestly, I hope to be like him when I grow up.”
Howard insists he has no plans to slow down. “If I retired, I’d have to do something else,” he said. “I’ll probably do this for a couple more years. I’ve had people tell me, if you stop moving, that’s not good.”
When asked what advice he’d give a first-year teacher, Howard doesn’t hesitate: “Don’t be overwhelmed. Take one day at a time. Go with the flow. Communicate with your colleagues when you need help. Be yourself, and don’t get flustered.”
It’s advice that sounds a lot like how he’s lived his career.
“His legacy is love the community, love the kids, invest our time and do everything you can for the betterment of the system and the kids in the system,” Butler said. “He would never toot his own horn, but that’s exactly what he has done. Dedicate and love on the ones you’re with.”
“I guess I would like to be remembered as somebody who cared,” Howard said. “Somebody who tried to leave a legacy of always striving to do your best, and caring about people. Caring especially.”