The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the finalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year competition, and Missouri National Education Association is proud to report that three of them are our members.
MNEA Members Continue to Lead the Profession
Educators across Missouri make a lasting difference in the lives of their students every day, and this year's finalists exemplify the very best of the profession.
From a field of 35 Regional Teachers of the Year, the selection process has narrowed the competition to seven exceptional finalists. The 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year finalists have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their students, innovative instructional practices, and a deep commitment to strengthening their schools and communities.
These educators represent the excellence found in classrooms across Missouri and showcase the impact teachers have on student success and public education.
Teacher of the Year Finalists
MNEA Members
Emily Klein
Bayless School District
Bayless High School
Social Studies
Grades 10-12
Sarah Moonier
Rockwood R-VI School District
Rockwood Summit High
Science
Grades 9-12
Sarah Newton
Valley Park School District
Valley Park Middle School
English Language Arts
Grade 7
Non-Members
Nicole Crocker
Agricultural Education, Grades 9-12
Branson R-IV, Branson High School
Christine Logan-Hollis
Science, Grades 7-8
Kingston K-14, Kingston K-14 Middle School
Sarah Steffens
Reading Interventionist, Grades K-4
Fort Osage R-I, Elm Grove Elementary School
Bailey Womble
Special Education, Grades K-2
School of the Osage, Heritage Elementary
Finalists will participate in interviews with a panel of experts selected by DESE as the final step in the selection process. Throughout the competition, candidates have been evaluated on their classroom effectiveness, leadership among colleagues, and contributions to their school communities.
The Missouri Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators who go above and beyond to inspire, support, and empower students. The competition not only celebrates individual achievement but also highlights the vital role educators play in shaping the future of Missouri's communities.
The 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year will be announced by DESE later this fall. DESE will be releasing biographies of each finalist on its website in the coming weeks.