Teacher and Support Staff of the Year finalists announced
![Minako Baczynski, holding a plant that was gifted to her, is photographed with her son, and three school staff members.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775058322/psdr3org/cijuotw7jqw6auh74zwr/SSOYMichelleEvansFinalistSurpriseVisits2026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775058322/psdr3org/cijuotw7jqw6auh74zwr/SSOYMichelleEvansFinalistSurpriseVisits2026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775058322/psdr3org/cijuotw7jqw6auh74zwr/SSOYMichelleEvansFinalistSurpriseVisits2026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1775058322/psdr3org/cijuotw7jqw6auh74zwr/SSOYMichelleEvansFinalistSurpriseVisits2026.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775058322/psdr3org/cijuotw7jqw6auh74zwr/SSOYMichelleEvansFinalistSurpriseVisits2026.jpg","width":1280}])
Surprise visits took place around Pattonville School District on March 30 and 31 as finalists were announced for the 2025-2026 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year awards.
The three finalists for Pattonville Teacher of the Year are:
- Katharine Ackman – kindergarten teacher at Willow Brook Elementary School
- Madison Avery – FACS teacher at Pattonville High School
- Kelley Mueller – first grade teacher at the Academy of Innovation at Remington
This year's finalists for Pattonville Support Staff of the Year are:
- Michelle Evans – permanent substitute at Parkwood Elementary School
- Lakeisha Griffin – social emotional support specialist at Willow Brook Elementary School
- Laura Wick – administrative assistant at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center
These individuals, along with other building-level Teacher and Support Staff of the Year honorees, will be recognized at District Appreciation Night on May 4. During this event, the district honorees for Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year will be announced.
These six staff members were surprised by Dr. Barry Nelson, superintendent, along with others including administrators, staff from their buildings and those who nominated them. Watch the videos below to see their reactions.
2025-2026 Teacher of the Year finalists
2025-2026 Support Staff of the Year finalists
View the Photo Gallery
Rookies of the Year and Teacher and Support Staff of the Year finalists are included in this slideshow.
Teacher and Support Staff of the Year finalists announced