The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the 2027 Regional Teachers of the Year, recognizing 35 outstanding educators from across Missouri. Selected from a field of more than 600 educators, these exceptional teachers will represent their regions and advance in the statewide Missouri Teacher of the Year competition. Missouri NEA is especially proud that nine of these remarkable educators are MNEA members, reflecting the talent, dedication, and leadership found throughout our union.
The Teacher of the Year program shines a spotlight on educators who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of their students, schools, and communities. These regional honorees inspire a love of learning to help students succeed.
The next stage of the selection process will take place this August, when DESE announces the semifinalists. We congratulate all of this year's Regional Teachers of the Year and extend a special round of applause to our MNEA members for this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations to the following MNEA members:
Melissa Bouchard
Camdenton R-III, 3rd Grade
Kinsey Gorrell
St. Charles R-VI, 7-8th Grade Special Education
Katie Huff
Raymore-Peculiar R-II, 9-12th Grade Special Education
Christy Kelsch
Lindbergh Schools, 2nd Grade
Emily Klein
Bayless 11-12th Grade Social Studies
Sarah Moonier
Rockwood R-VI, 9-12th Grade Science
Sarah Newton
Valley Park, 7th Grade English Language Arts
Clarissa Pohlman
Springfield R-XII, 6-8th Grade Spanish
Sherry Wibben
University City, 9-12th Grade Biology
