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Teacher and Support Staff of the Year

Each year, Pattonville School District names two staff to the highest honor — the Teacher of the Year and the Support Staff Employee of the Year. 

These two staff members represent the district for the entire year. They participate in the homecoming parade, speak to new staff and help name their successor. In addition to a district honoree, three finalists are named and each school — including a district services group for support staff in other buildings — selects a building-level honoree who advances to the district competition as a semi-finalist. The awards recognize staff for their hard work and dedication to Pattonville's students.

Process

  1. Students, staff, family members and people from the Pattonville community nominate staff for the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year programs.
  2. Each school selects a building-level Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. Additionally, staff from non-school buildings select a Support Staff of the Year for the district services group which is composed of transportation, maintenance, printing and Learning Center employees. To select each building-level honoree, employees receive a ballot with the names of eligible nominees from their building and will vote to determine each building-level winner, who will become semi-finalists for the district honor.
  3. Information provided by those semi-finalists will be reviewed by a selection committee, which will choose three finalists to be interviewed for the district honor.
  4. All finalists and semifinalists are recognized during District Appreciation Night in May, at which time the district honorees for Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year are named. 

Eligibility

Teacher of the Year

Eligible staff include:

  • Classroom teachers, pre-kindergarten through Grade 12
  • Counselors, librarians and instructional specialists
  • Special School District (SSD) teachers at Pattonville will be eligible for building-wide honors, but cannot advance to the finalist or district levels, due to SSD's separate recognition program.

Ineligible staff include:

  • Persons in a supervisory capacity (based on state guidelines)
  • Previous winners of the district title
  • Building-level winners within the past four years
  • Staff members on a Performance Improvement Plan
  • Staff on extended leave
  • Persons planning on retiring or resigning at the end of the school year in which they are nominated

Support Staff of the Year

Eligible staff include:

  • All non-supervisory support staff employed by Pattonville.
    • This includes behavior analysts and technicians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, clerks, custodians, diagnosticians, early childhood therapists, mechanics, nurses, parent educators, paraprofessionals, physical therapists, school psychologists, secretaries, social workers, speech/language pathologists and maintenance, printing, technology and warehouse personnel.
  • Special School District (SSD) staff at Pattonville will be eligible for building-wide honors, but cannot advance to the finalist or district levels, due to SSD's separate recognition program.

Ineligible staff include:

  • Persons in a supervisory capacity
  • Previous winners of the district title
  • Building-level winners within the past four years
  • Staff members on a Performance Improvement Plan
  • Staff on extended leave
  • Persons planning on retiring or resigning before or at the end of the school year in which they are nominated

Eligible staff who are nominated in their first or second year in the district will automatically be put in the running for the Rookie of the Year award. SSD staff service years are based on service with SSD. Visit the Rookie of the Year award page for more information.

History

Teacher

In 1984, the Pattonville School District selected its first Teacher of the Year. In 1991 a change was made in the program to honor three Teachers of the Year — one for each level: elementary, middle and high school. In 2018, Pattonville began recognizing building-level honorees who would advance in the district process. Since Pattonville began this program, eight teachers have been finalists in the state competition and two were Missouri Teachers of the Year.

Support Staff

The Support Staff of the Year award program was introduced in 1994. In 2018, Pattonville began recognizing building-level honorees who would advance in the district process. Eligible roles for this recognition include all non-supervisory support staff employed by Pattonville.

Rookie

Starting in 2021, Pattonville School District began to name two staff  — one teacher and one support staff employee — as the recipients of the Rookie of the Year award. The awards recognize staff who are in their first or second year in the district for their hard work and dedication to Pattonville's students. Eligible staff nominated for Teacher or Support Staff of the Year who are in their first or second year at Pattonville are automatically put into consideration for the Rookie of the Year program.

2026 Honorees

Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year smiles at the camera while holding award

Kelley Mueller, First Grade Teacher at the Academy of Innovation at Remington

As a first grade teacher at the Academy of Innovation at Remington, Kelley Mueller is dedicated to ensuring students feel valued, supported and inspired to grow. With more than a decade of experience in Pattonville, she has impacted a generation of students in a positive way. Mueller earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in reading from Lindenwood University. Since joining the district, she has taught multiple grade levels and served in roles such as being a new teacher mentor, student council sponsor and PTO chair. At the core of Mueller’s philosophy is the belief that an outstanding teacher nurtures the whole child, understands students come from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and provides clear expectations.

“It is a privilege to influence the character, growth and future of the next generation,” she said. “My goal is to make a positive impact on every student by providing a safe, nurturing environment where they feel loved and excited to learn."

Through routines such as morning meetings, classroom goal-setting and practicing a specific manner each week, she helps cultivate a positive environment and is able to regularly assess the strengths and well-being of each student.

“We practice listening skills, turn-taking and respect,” she said. “While the students are sharing, I am listening closely.”

Mueller also emphasizes responsive, engaging instruction tailored to each learner while providing consistency.

“When students know what to expect and feel respected, they are more comfortable taking risks, asking questions and fully engaging in the learning process,” she said.

Support Staff of the Year

Support Staff of the Year honoree stands holding award and smiling at the camera

Michelle Evans, Permanent Substitute at Parkwood Elementary School

As a permanent substitute at Parkwood Elementary School, Michelle Evans plays a vital role in keeping the school day running smoothly, no matter what it brings. Whether stepping into an unexpected classroom need or supporting students through a change in routine, she provides consistency, structure and a steady, positive presence. Because she is in the school every day, Evans has built strong relationships with students and staff alike. Students recognize her, trust her and feel comfortable in her classroom, allowing them to stay focused and meet expectations even during moments of uncertainty.

“I care about creating a safe, respectful environment where every student has the chance to succeed,” she said. “I’m proud to be someone the staff and students can count on.”

Evans approaches each day with the goal of keeping learning on track, regardless of the circumstances. Her calm and reassuring demeanor helps students feel secure, while her flexibility allows classrooms to function seamlessly with minimal disruption. Through her work across the building, she fosters trust, supports teachers and helps cultivate a sense of community and belonging among students. Evans said she values the strong sense of connection throughout the Pattonville School District, where staff, students and families genuinely care for one another.

“It’s especially meaningful to work in the same district my children attend because I get to see firsthand the impact Pattonville has on students both as an employee and as a parent,” she said. “That connection makes me even more invested in helping all students succeed. I’m proud to be part of a district that feels like a family.”

Teacher of the Year Finalists

Katharine Ackman

Kindergarten Teacher
Willow Brook Elementary School
 
Portrait of Katharine Ackman

 

Watch Katharine Ackman's finalist Video

Madison Avery

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Pattonville High School
 
Portrait of Madison Avery
 

Kelley Mueller

First Grade Teacher
Academy of Innovation at Remington
 
Portrait of Kelley Mueller

 

Watch Kelley Mueller's Finalist Video

Support Staff of the Year Finalists

Michelle Evans

Permanent Substitute
Parkwood Elementary School
 
Portrait of Michelle Evans

 

Watch Michelle Evans' Finalist Video

Lakeisha Griffin

Social Emotional Support Specialist
Willow Brook Elementary School
 
Portrait of Lakeisha Griffin

 

Watch Lakeisha Griffin's Finalist Video

Laura Wick

Administrative Assistant
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
 
Portrait of Laura Wick

 

Watch Laura Wick's Finalist Video

Semi-Finalists

Building Teachers of the Year

  • Christina Buchek, Early Childhood Teacher, Pattonville Early Childhood Center
  • Tracy Hilgenbrink, Special Education Teacher, Bridgeway Elementary School
  • Courtney Cady, Intake Specialist Teacher, Drummond Elementary School
  • Sarah Adams, First Grade Teacher, Parkwood Elementary School
  • Dr. Maritza Caldera, English Learner Teacher, Rose Acres Elementary School
  • Katharine Ackman, Kindergarten Teacher, Willow Brook Elementary School
  • Kelley Mueller, First Grade Teacher, Academy of Innovation at Remington
  • Angela Huesgen, Librarian, Holman Middle School
  • Chip Ianiri, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Pattonville Heights Middle School
  • Madison Avery, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Pattonville High School

Building Support Staff of the Year

  • Laura Wick, Administrative Assistant, Pattonville Early Childhood Center
  • Angela Barringhaus, Library and Technology Aide, Bridgeway Elementary School
  • Connor Kirk, Special Education Paraprofessional, Drummond Elementary School
  • Michelle Evans, Permanent Substitute, Parkwood Elementary School
  • Lakeisha Griffin, Social Emotional Support Specialist, Willow Brook Elementary School
  • Melanie Wagner, Special Education Occupational Therapist, Academy of Innovation at Remington
  • Lakiva Murphy, Clerk, Holman Middle School
  • Brandt Jefferson, Permanent Substitute, Pattonville Heights Middle School
  • Terry Olishile, Clerk, Pattonville High School
  • Billy Boner, Alternative Education Supervisor, Pattonville Learning Center (District Services Group)

Building Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Surprises

Congratulations 2026 Nominees

Teacher of the Year

Name Location
Katharine Ackman
Sarah Adams
Mollie Ahlers
Lori Alanis
Kelly Allensworth*
Natalie Alvarez
Alexander Amo
Blake Anderson*
Madison Avery
Morgan Barnett
Amanda Barringhaus
Georgina Bates
Meagan Bauer*
Bonnie Beer
Emily Beger
Christine Behlmann
Allison Bennett
Holly Berends
Heather Blackwell*
Amy Bopp
Tara Borcherding
Michael Boulanger
Marie Brown
Wendy Brown
Caitlyn Bubb*
Christina Buchek
Alexander Buerck
Grace Buerck
Bethany Buescher*
Lorna Bulger
Ashley Burd
Angela Byrne
Rebecca Byrne
Courtney Cady
Maritza Caldera
Alex Caldwell
Jennifer Calva
Josie Cammarata
Carly Campbell*
Melissa Capstick
Madalyn Carr
Stephanie Carson
Faith Carter*
Sarah Carter
Christen Casaine*
William Casner
Robin Chang
Chris Cheatham
Amy Christensen
Brandon Clark
Carrie Cobb
Brooke Cooper
Trina Cornell
Lillian Corzine
Thomas Crockett
Windy Cushman
James Dalton
Daniel Derby
Sierra Dertinger
Kimberly Dickinson
Alicia Dietz
Emily Doherty
Ashley Downs
Hunter Drew
Tamika Dukes
Hope Dye*
Nicole Dye
Catherine Eaton
Sarah Eckels-Galbreath
Carolyn Elliott
Jessica Esquivel
Courtney Faasen*
Brandi Fannin
Jennifer Farmer
Kristen Favazza*
Mary Favazza
Carlye Feeney
Jeanne Fernandez
Lori Fisk
Amy Fitch
Shannon Fleming
Karolyn Florence
Brittany Flowers
Dempsey Fogarty
Brandy Fowler
James Frazier
Stephanie Frerker
Amy Frost
Megan Ganninger*
Kisten Gartland
Tanya Glennon
Teresa Godina
Mary Goding
Lorrie Gordon*
Irena Goren Scheer
Kristin Gosa
Natalie Graneto
Samantha Greaney
Hannah Green
Bria Griffith
Jennifer Gruendler
Jaimyn Hacker
Nicole Hagedorn
Emma Hale
Adam Hall
Kyle Hall
Margaret Hall
Matthew Hanses*
Kristen Hardiek*
Brianne Hardin
Jarrett Harrison
Megan Harrison
Pam Havecker
Jessica Hayes
Carrie Heine
Sara Hellberg
Catherine Hicks
Tracy Hilgenbrink
Alisabeth Hilker
Stacey Hill
Christine Hillier
Sarah Hollstrom
Jennifer Hoppe*
Nicole Hubbard
Angela Huesgen
Kevin Hughes
Kristie Hummert
Kalli Hunt
Haley Hunter
Teresa Hutti
Chip Ianari
Mindy Jackson
Jamie Jobe
Danica Johnson
Jacob Johnson
Lindsey Jones
Beth Kathriner
Megan Keehnast*
Emily Kemlage
Megan Kemper
Carter Kennedy
Morgan Kiffmeyer
David Kim
Cheralyn Kirton
David Knapp
Anna Koester*
Katherine Korte
Lisa Kraemer
Emily Kramer
Jillian Kreith*
Jason Lammert
Damara Lashley
Tiffany Laughlin
Bianca Lee
Madison Lehmann
Joanna Leonard
Emily Lerman
Audrey Levinson
Cady Levy*
Justin Levy*
Michele Lewis
Dominic Licameli
Julie Linck
Alyssa Lipson
Christina Livingston
Rhondalyn Logan
Matthew Loyet
Rachel Luckett
Emily Ludwinski
Rachel Luna
Dawn Lynn
Tanner Lynn
Janel MacLean
Natasha Malone
Jennifer Mangiapanello
Vicki Martin
Audrey Masek
Sarah Mather
Wendy Mathis
Matthew McClellan
Laura McClure
Heather McCord
Kristen McGreer
Gina McKelly
Michael McKeon
Melanie Metheney
Nicole Mikel
Jami Miller
Jacinta Mitchell
Brent Mueller
Kelley Mueller
Paige Mueller
Alisa Neal
Megan Neff
Lauren Negrete
Kristian Nelson
Christy Newsham
Lauren Niewald
Helen Niklawski
Robert O’Keefe*
Tracie Olson
Liz Pace
Kelly Paluczak
Matthew Parker
Ryan Parker
Shaun Patrick
Alexis Paul
Karrie Peters
Katherine Petron
Kori Phillips
Amy Powell
Morgan Pugh
Maria Puricelli
Lauri Radican
Katherine Ramatowski*
Jackie Ramey
Kellie Randazzo
Austin Rebeck*
Stefan Rechtlich*
Sydnie Redington
Joseph Rehagen
Melissa Reynolds
Montie Richter
Ginger Roberts
Chelsea Rodebaugh
Jennifer Rogers
Nicole Rosner*
Juliane Ross
Sara Rowe*
Paul Rueschhoff
Jordan Sammelmann
Carrie Sansone*
Jennifer Scarff
Lindsey Schaefer
Kyle Schaper
Amy Schwendemann
Ashley Senn
Erika Sepanski
Sofia Serra*
Jasmine Sewell
Ann Sharp*
Ryan Shea
Jennifer Sidy
Jamie Sievers
Sarah Slane
Andrew Smith
Jessica Smith
Steve Smith
Mary Sosman
Marcie Spawr
Mary Spitzmiller
Lisa Stahlhut
Amanda Starwalt
Amanda Steimel*
Amber Steinmann*
Edward Stevens
Mary Catherine Stevens
Nancy Stevens-Martin
MaryClare Stoker
Greg Stoltz
Amanda Strobbe
Samantha Stuppy
Christina Sutter
Carley Tankersley
Kelly Thames
Denise Thomas
Billy Thompson
Kimberly Thompson
Madison Thorpe
Taylor Thuet
Joanna Todd
Jacquelyn Trautman*
Jason Van Beers
Natalie Vance
Laura Vitale
Andrea Wagner
Michelle Wagner
Meredith Walker*
Natalie Walker
Andrew Wall
Wendy Wamhoff
Samantha Wandersee
Kristen Webber
Amanda Weber*
Katelyn Weber
Erin Wentzel
Melissa Wetzel
Anna White
Steven White
Matthew Wilke*
Miranda Wilkes
Anise Williams
Heather Williams
Lindsay Williams
Lisa Williams
Christy Wills
Amber Wilson
Michael Winship
Laura Witte
Molly Witzovsky
Robin Woodrome
Kendra Worsham
Regina Wright
Kalesia Yates
Nicole Youngquist
Lori Yudovich
Willow Brook
Parkwood
Bridgeway
Parkwood
High School
Willow Brook
Holman
High School
High School
Willow Brook
Bridgeway
Drummond
Bridgeway
Drummond
Rose Acres
Drummond
Rose Acres
Holman
Holman
Early Childhood
High School
High School
Remington
Heights
Drummond
Early Childhood
Holman
Rose Acres
High School
High School
Drummond
Parkwood
High School
Drummond
Rose Acres
Heights
Holman
Drummond
Willow Brook
Willow Brook
Drummond
High School
Parkwood
Rose Acres
High School
Bridgeway
Rose Acres
Willow Brook
Rose Acres
High School
High School
Holman
Holman
Rose Acres
High School
Drummond
High School
Bridgeway
Drummond
Willow Brook
Holman
Rose Acres
Willow Brook
Heights
Holman
Drummond
Drummond
Parkwood
Bridgeway
Drummond
Bridgeway
High School
Bridgeway
Drummond
Drummond
High School
Heights
Bridgeway
Holman
Rose Acres
Early Childhood
High School
Holman
Rose Acres
Willow Brook
High School
High School
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Willow Brook
Holman
Heights
Willow Brook
Drummond
Holman
Rose Acres
Heights
Heights
Drummond
Holman
Early Childhood
Parkwood
Parkwood
Willow Brook
Holman
High School
High School
Willow Brook
Willow Brook
Drummond
Parkwood
High School
Bridgeway
High School
Rose Acres
Holman
Drummond
Bridgeway
Heights
Bridgeway
Remington
High School
Drummond
Rose Acres
Holman
Drummond
Rose Acres
High School
High School
Holman
Heights
Drummond
High School
Remington
Drummond
Early Childhood
High School
Remington
Holman
High School
Heights
Drummond
Holman
Holman
Holman
Holman
High School
Remington
Drummond
Drummond
High School
Drummond
Parkwood
Bridgeway
High School
Holman
Parkwood
Remington
Willow Brook
High School
Drummond
Willow Brook
Remington
Remington
Parkwood
Rose Acres
Holman
Heights
Remington
Holman
Willow Brook
Drummond
Parkwood
Bridgeway
High School
Bridgeway
Parkwood
Parkwood
Heights
High School
Holman
Willow Brook
Parkwood
Rose Acres
Remington
Holman
Rose Acres
Drummond
Bridgeway
High School
Remington
High School
Holman
Drummond
High School
Holman
Willow Brook
Heights
Drummond
High School
High School
Heights
Holman
Holman
Drummond
High School
Willow Brook
Remington
Holman
Drummond
Drummond
Drummond
Willow Brook
High School
High School
Holman
Drummond
Drummond
Holman
Drummond
Rose Acres
Drummond
Holman
Drummond
Drummond
Willow Brook
High School
High School
Remington
High School
Heights
Holman
Early Childhood
Heights
Parkwood
High School
Remington
Heights
Drummond
Holman
Heights
Holman
Early Childhood
Rose Acres
Heights
Remington
Holman
High School
Drummond
Holman
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Drummond
Heights
Rose Acres
Holman
Rose Acres
Bridgeway
High School
Parkwood
Holman
Willow Brook
Drummond
Drummond
High School
Holman
Willow Brook
Remington
Heights
Drummond
Willow Brook
Heights
Drummond
High School
Remington
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Holman
Holman
High School
Bridgeway
Drummond
Drummond
Holman
Heights
Drummond
Heights
High School
Holman
High School
Bridgeway
Willow Brook
Remington
Drummond
Early Childhood
High School
Drummond
Heights
Drummond
Willow Brook
High School
Parkwood
Heights
Heights
Rose Acres
Bridgeway

*Rookie of the Year Nominee

NOTE: Some of the nominees listed are ineligible to continue in the employee recognition program due to program guidelines; however, being nominated is a tremendous honor, which should be celebrated for the impact these individuals have had on the lives of others. For this reason, everyone nominated, regardless of eligibility, is being listed and will be invited to an upcoming board meeting for further recognition. Congratulations to all nominees.

Support Staff of the Year

Name

Location

Lula Abreha
Minako Baczynski
Kamille Bailey*
Andrea Baldwin
Jennifer Barnes
Joseph Barnett
Angela Barringhaus
Adrienne Beard
Tomi Benney
Billy Boner
Jody Brent
Mallorey Burns
Virginia Bush-Billingsley
Carly Campbell
Meaghann Capranica
Amy Carr
Lynda Christian*
Harry Cima
Tiffany Clegg*
Anthony Condra
Gloria Contreras
Tracy Cook
Joseph Corey
Kevin Couty
Derek Craft
Barb Cummings
Susan Custer
Rhonda Daniels
Michelle Dart*
Vicky Davis-Price
Anna De Garcia*
Mallory Delgado
Bill Dinsmore
Michelle Dirks
Debra Dold
Stepany Dominguez
David Duncan
Katie Effinger*
Krysteen Euson
Michelle Evans
Robin Fazzino
Haley Fitzgibbons
Mary Franklin
James Frerker
Catina Gaddy
Ana Garofalo
Maria Gendece
Prince Gibson*
Marlon Gilkey
Anita Gillespie
Brenda Glaze
Scott Graydon*
Jayne Green
Veronica Green
Dana Gregory
Lakeisha Griffin
Steven Groceman
Emily Groneck
Tanya Hadley
Sarah Hanks
Zackary Harnetz
Mellissa Harris*
Darius Hebron
Bob Heitert
Tamara Henderson
Shannon Hernando*
Shannon Hill
Lesley Holzschuh
Jamie Hood*
Jennifer Hopkins
Stephanie Hughes
Crystal Hulsey
Katie Hutchinson-DiBello*
Kim Hutchinson*
Jessica Ihler*
Brandt Jefferson
Florida Jenkins
Debra Johnson
Lindsay Keleher
Stephanie Kellner
Amber King*
Connor Kirk
Karen Kneib
Raymond Koenig
Brenda Labbe
Joanne Lax
Ken Lerdahl
Jerrell Lindsay*
Jennifer Lipscomb
Racquel Manuel
Carole Marsden
Jezel McCall
Jacqueline McClain
Kennedy Merriman*
Kysia Minor
Marian Mitchell
Jameicia Moore
Krista Murphy
Lakiva Murphy
Preston Murphy
Briana Neavill
Alexis Nelp*
Betty Nelson
Shirley Newman
Cheryl Norfolk
Amanda Oggesen
Terry Olishile
Amy Ortmann*
Kesia Palmer
Lei Ann Parish
Ayanna Peterson*
Molly Porzel*
Dana Post*
Preston Pounds
Andy Ramirez
Amy Reese
William Roach
LaShonda Sanders
Catherine Santhuff*
Jennifer Schalk-Bensing*
Kimberly Schneider
Kathleen Schwarte
Ellen Serio
Kimberlin Simon*
Brittany Stevens
Erica Stough
Rungsee Suvansri
Reem Tahsin
Sheila Thomas
Jordan Thompson
Shalisha Touch*
Jennifer Treat
Jane Ung
Ella Wagner
Melanie Wagner
Prisnice Watford
Carmelya Weeden*
Nicole Weeden*
Laura Wick
Michael Willams
Karen Windom
David Wright
Khalida Wukawitz
Remington
Drummond
Holman
Early Childhood
Transportation
Maintenance
Bridgeway
Holman
High School
Learning Center
Drummond
Heights
Transportation
Willow Brook
Rose Acres
Transportation
Drummond
Drummond
Parkwood
Parkwood
Bridgeway
Drummond
Drummond
Drummond
Transportation
Drummond
Drummond
Willow Brook
Early Childhood
Heights
Holman
Drummond
Early Childhood
Drummond
High School
Early Childhood
High School
Rose Acres
Early Childhood
Parkwood
Holman
Remington
Drummond
High School
Drummond
Bridgeway
Holman
Drummond
Rose Acres
Learning Center
High School
Willow Brook
Willow Brook
Transportation
Heights
Willow Brook
Rose Acres
Printing
High School
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Heights
Bridgeway
Rose Acres
Early Childhood
High School
Willow Brook
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Transportation
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Bridgeway
Heights
Remington
Remington
Remington
Drummond
Holman
Drummond
Drummond
Maintenance
Heights
Transportation
High School
Rose Acres
Early Childhood
High School
Drummond
Remington
Heights
Bridgeway
Transportation
Heights
Rose Acres
Drummond
Holman
Holman
Rose Acres
Rose Acres
Holman
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Parkwood
High School
Early Childhood
Holman
High School
High School
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Maintenance
Transportation
Heights
High School
Willow Brook
Rose Acres
Heights
Transportation
High School
Early Childhood
Rose Acres
Early Childhood
Remington
Rose Acres
High School
Holman
Rose Acres
Drummond
Early Childhood
Bridgeway
Rose Acres
Remington
High School
Holman
Holman
Early Childhood
Drummond
Transportation
Holman
Drummond

 

*Rookie of the Year Nominee

NOTE: Some of the nominees listed are ineligible to continue in the employee recognition program due to program guidelines; however, being nominated is a tremendous honor, which should be celebrated for the impact these individuals have had on the lives of others. For this reason, everyone nominated, regardless of eligibility, is being listed and will be invited to an upcoming board meeting for further recognition. Congratulations to all nominees.

Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Nominees Flyer

Congratulations 2026 Teacher of the Year Nominees, featuring a list of names and schools.

Honor Roll of Previous Recipients

Teacher of the Year

1985-1986 — Margaret Steinheimer **
1986-1987 — Frank Gallagher
1987-1988 — Becky Hicks Kruse 
1988-1989 — Mary Ann Goldberg 
1989-1990 — Barbara Weekley 
1990-1991 — Peggy  Koelling** 
1991-1992 — Nancy Sebastian 
1992-1993 — Cynthia Kalkwarf*** 
1993-1994 — Jo Ellen Leeke 
1994-1995 — Gloria Fox 
1995-1996 — Randy Pierce 
1996-1997 — Lisa Zangriles** 
1997-1998 — Kathy Oster
1998-1999 — Jan Davenport
1999-2000 — Carol Craig 
2000-2001 — Valerie Maxwell***
2001-2002 — Kerry Brown 
2002-2003 — Michelle Wagner**
2003-2004 — Dennis McFarland
2004-2005 — Amy White-Taylor**
2005-2006 — Dixie Tipton
2006-2007 — Kevin Beckner
2007-2008 — Christopher Benbow
2008-2009 — Diane Richardson
2009-2010 — Phyllis Pasley
2010-2011 — Julie Kampschroeder
2011-2012 — Tracey Robinson
2012-2013 — Abigail Williams
2013-2014 — Beth Moritz
2014-2015 — Sarah Collins
2015-2016 — Yulia Kotets**
2016-2017 — Allison Stout*
2017-2018 — Dr. Dana Burns
2018-2019 — Amy Schwendemann
2019-2020 — Dan Derby
2020-2021 — Eleanor Taylor **
2021-2022 — Leslie Jones
2022-2023 — Brittany Garcia
2023-2024 — Audrey Masek
2024-2025 — Julie Linck
* Regional winner (introduced in 2016)
** State finalist  
*** Missouri Teacher of the Year

Support Staff of the Year

1994-1995 — Nancy Greenblatt 
1995-1996 — Kim Miller 
1996-1997 — Nancy Henley
1997-1998 — Linda Shofner
1998-1999 — Cindy Boddy 
1999-2000 — Charles Stanton
2000-2001 — Sandra Hampton
2001-2002 — Marilyn Baker 
2002-2003 — Rommel McDonald
2003-2004 — Kay Sullivan 
2004-2005 — Teresa Jercinovic
2005-2006 — Kristin Powell
2006-2007 — Charles Roach
2007-2008 — Joyce Bowdish
2008-2009 — Toby Meyer
2009-2010 — Julie Purviance
2010-2011 — Judy Zahner
2011-2012 — Luis Miranda
2012-2013 — Glennora Genail
2013-2014 — Larrie Bell
2014-2015 — Mike Siebe
2015-2016 — Joan Knight
2016-2017 — Ardella M. Diggs
2017-2018 — Joe Gutierrez
2018-2019 — Tron Williams
2019-2020 — Andrea Baldwin
2020-2021 — Lisa Foust
2021-2022 — Erica Abowitz
2022-2023 — Jenny McDowell
2023-2024 — Anaisabel Garofalo
2024-2025 — Minako Baczynski