The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announces the semifinalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year award, and five Missouri National Education Association members advance to the semifinals.
The Teacher of the Year program honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, schools, and communities while making a lasting impact in Missouri classrooms. The selection process began with the naming of 35 Regional Teachers of the Year representing regions across the state. From that group, DESE selects a smaller group of semifinalists to continue in the statewide competition.
The semifinalists will now advance in the Missouri Teacher of the Year selection process, with one educator ultimately chosen to serve as Missouri’s 2027 Teacher of the Year and represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Congratulations to all of the semifinalists, and especially to the MNEA members whose leadership and dedication continue to inspire students, colleagues, and communities throughout Missouri.
MNEA members selected as 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year semifinalists include:
Katie Huff
Raymore-Peculiar R-II, 9-12th Grade Special Education
Emily Klein
Bayless 11-12th Grade Social Studies
Sarah Moonier
Rockwood R-VI, 9-12th Grade Science
Jennifer Moore
Kirkwood R-VII, K-5th Grade Gifted Education
Sarah Newton
Valley Park, 7th Grade English Language Arts
Congratulations to all the Teacher of the Year semifinalists:
Alazé Chowning
All Subjects (Grade 2), Richmond R-XVI, Sunrise Elementary
Nicole Crocker
Agricultural Education (Grades 9–12), Branson R-IV, Branson High School
Heather Dunn
Media Production (Grades 6–12), Missouri School for the Deaf
Trista Hance
Special Education (Grades 6–12), Newburg R-II
Christine Logan Hollis
Science (Grades 7–8), Kingston K-14, Kingston K-14 Middle School
Adriana Marble
Literacy Coach (Grades K–5), Blue Springs R-IV, James Lewis Elementary
Kristen McGauley
All Subjects (Grade 1), Ozark R-VI, Ozark South Elementary
Vondra Miller
Reading (Grades K–4), Neosho School District, South Elementary
Sarah Steffens
Elementary (Grades K–4), Fort Osage R-I, Elm Grove Elementary
Tamara Turner MacLean
Gifted/Enrichment (Grades K–4), Ladue, Old Bonhomme Elementary
Bailey Womble
Special Education (Grades K–2), School of the Osage, Heritage Elementary
Finalists will be announced later this month. More information is available on the Teacher of the Year webpage.