Back-to-school season marks the return to the classroom for approximately 66,000 teachers in Missouri. Among this vast number, five exceptional local teachers have been nominated for the prestigious Teacher of the Year award by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Sixteen teachers from across the state have been nominated for this prestigious honor. The list comprises educators from various grade levels, subject areas, and nearly every region of the state. Notably, five exceptional teachers have been selected from the Ozarks.
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- Alison Corl – Math – Neosho Junior High School
- Jennifer Justice Webber – Kindergarten – Buchanan Elementary, Branson
- Melissa Willoughby – Special Education – Joel E. Barber, Laclede Co.
- Sarah Tillinghast – Kindergarten – South Elementary, Eldon
- Shannon Truitt – Reading/Library – Highlandville Elementary, Spokane
A total of 16 semifinalists remain in contention for the title of 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year. These individuals were selected from a group of 34 Regional Teachers of the Year. The announcement of the finalists will be made by DESE on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Greg Kester, a social studies teacher from Potosi High School, has been named the 2024 Missouri Teacher of the Year. This prestigious recognition aims to shine a light on the remarkable influence that outstanding educators like Greg have on their students.