On July 15, 2025, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced 34 Regional Teachers of the Year. These teachers are among the best in their region and were selected to be elevated to the state competition semi-finals. Next, they will undergo scrutiny at the state level within the DESE subcommittees to narrow down the search even further.
Missouri NEA proudly calls the following nine teachers our union brothers and sisters. πππ
Visit the DESE website to read more about each of these excellent teachers.
Ashley M Gettinger
Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II, Kindergarten
Danielle O'Neil
Springfield R-XII, K-5 Physical Education
Kimberly Sixta
Hickman Mills C-1, Grades 10-12 Social Studies
Lori Boatman
Wentzville R-IV, Grade 6 Social Studies
Matthew Kennedy
Kirksville R-III, High School Social Studies
Melissa Maness
Special School District St. Louis Co., Grades 11-12 Culinary Arts
Robert Wofford
Salem R-80, Grades 10-12 English Language Arts
Tamara Simmons
Bayless, Grades 6-12 Choir
Timothy G. Ryan
Ferguson Florissant R-II, High School English Language Arts
Other teachers named: Alisha Rinne, Warrensburg R-VI; Amanda Breckenridge, Rich Hill R-IV; Aubrey Shortino, Lee's Summit R-VII; Becky Solomon, Hillsboro R-III; Christa Price, Stockton R-I; Dr. Paul Stephen Wright, St. Charles R-VI; Erin Dalager, Kirbyville R-VI; Heather Millard, Lincoln County R-III; Jennifer Shook, Verona R-VII; Joanna Clark, Raymore- Peculiar R-II; Julie Hecht, Altenburg 48; Keaton Denney, Lone Jack C-6; Kerry S. Mattingly, Wheaton R-III; Kristen Price, Northwest R-I; Krystal Deterding, Fort Zumwalt School District; Mary Sanders, St. Joseph; Megan Peifer, Gateway Science Academy; Nacole Benscoter, Independence 30; Rachel Stoll, Jefferson C-123; Rebekah Hammett, Southern Boone Co. R-1; Sara Buckley, Potosi R-III; Sarah DeWitte, West Platte Co. R-II; Sarah Kirksey, Ladue; Seth Williams, Camdenton R-III; Stephanie Gladbach, Salisbury R-IV