Award-winning educator Lexcee Oddo ’18 discovered her passion for teaching at K-State
By Ashley Pauls
K-State Alumni Association
Early on in her time as a K-State student, Lexcee Oddo ’18 vividly remembers calling
her mom from Bluemont Hall and realizing that she wanted to be an education major.
When she first came to K-State, Oddo wasn’t sure what sort of career she wanted to
pursue. However, through Oddo’s memories of her time in elementary school and her
experiences in K-State classrooms, she realized that becoming a teacher was exactly
what she wanted to do.
“This is the place for me,” she remembers saying.
She wanted to make an impact in the lives of students, and that's exactly what she
does every day through her work as an educator at Turner Elementary School in Kansas
City, Kansas.
In recognition of her dedication, Oddo recently was surprised with a national Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 cash prize. The Milken Awards provide public recognition to K-12 teachers,
principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education.
“Lexcee represents the best of Kansas education,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education
Randy Watson ’81, ’84, ’90. “She believes every child can learn and creates a classroom
where high expectations and meaningful support help students thrive. Her leadership
strengthens her colleagues, and the trust she builds with families reflects her deep
commitment to every student’s success.”
Building confidence
Coming to K-State was a natural choice for Oddo, whose older sisters also were Wildcats.
“I grew up going there, ever since elementary school. When it was my time, I was so
excited to be in Manhattan and be part of the K-State family,” Oddo said.
She has nothing but praise for K-State’s EdCats program, and she said her first professors
and classes made a good impression.
“Every professor I had was just so encouraging,” she said. “That made me feel this
was the place I was supposed to be.”
This is Oddo’s first year as an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor, providing
intervention services from pre-K to fifth grade. She was previously a second grade
teacher.
She said she enjoys working in small groups and tailoring instruction specifically
to her students’ needs. She loves watching students’ language and reading skills develop.
“I’m trying to build confidence,” she said of her teaching philosophy. “Once students
start to believe in themselves, they start to use their voice more.”
Beyond the classroom, Oddo is a proud member of the school’s leadership team, helping
with the school improvement plan, implementing professional development opportunities,
and guiding committee meetings. She also supports colleagues through mentorship, coaching
and instructional modeling, and serves as a first-year “buddy” for new teachers.
At the district level, she co-leads a cohort on curriculum implementation — equipping
staff with tools and strategies to enhance student learning and engagement. Additionally,
she is one of two teacher trainers on the science of reading.
Keeping students at the forefront
When Oddo first arrived at the schoolwide assembly where she was presented with her
Milken Educator Award, she assumed it was a retirement celebration for Kansas Commissioner
of Education Randy Watson. Then she saw the high school pep band and cheerleaders,
and began to realize something else might be going on.
“We all had no idea,” she said. “The recognition is the ultimate prize for me. It’s
an award for everyone in my community. We all collaborate so much.”
Oddo plans to continue dedicating herself to her role, hoping to make every hour that
she spends in the classroom count.
“Keep students at the forefront of everything you do, their success and their well-being,”
she said.
