Missouri names semi-finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year award

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has named 17 educators as semi-finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award. The announcement highlights teachers from a range of grade levels, subject areas, and regions across the state.

The semi-finalists are:

- Alisha Rinne, Warrensburg R-VI — Maple Grove Elementary, Prekindergarten

- Aubrey Shortino, Lee's Summit R-VII — Trailridge Elementary, Kindergarten

- Christa Price, Stockton R-I — Stockton R-I Schools, K-12 Gifted

- Danielle O'Neil, Springfield Public Schools — Sherwood Elementary, K-5 Physical Education

- Dr. Paul Stephen Wright, City of St. Charles School District — St. Charles High School – SUCCESS Campus, High School English Language Arts

- Heather Millard, Lincoln County R-III — Ninth Grade Center, American History

- Jennifer Shook, Verona R-VII — Verona R-VII, Pre-K-6 Special Education

- Keaton Denney, Lone Jack C-6 — Lone Jack Middle and High School, Grades 6-12 Choir

- Kimberly Sixta, Hickman Mills C-1 — Ruskin High School, Grades 10-12 Social Studies

- Matthew Kennedy, Kirksville R-III — Kirksville High School, Social Studies

- Melissa Maness, Special School District St. Louis Co. — South Technical High School, Grades 11–12 Culinary Arts

- Rachel Stoll, Jefferson C–123 School District — Jefferson C–123 Elementary, Prekindergarten

- Robert Wofford, Salem R–80 — Salem High School, Grades 10–12 English Language Arts

- Sara Buckley, Potosi R–III — Trojan Intermediate School, Grade 6 English Language Arts

- Sarah Kirksey, Ladue School District — Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Journalism

- Stephanie Gladbach, Salisbury R-IV — Salisbury High School, Business

- Timothy G. Ryan, Ferguson Florissant R-II — McCluer North High School, English Language Arts

“Heartfelt congratulations to our Teacher of the Year Semi-finalists,” Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger said. “Your dedication to your students and passion for education are truly inspiring.”

The selection process began with 34 Regional Teachers of the Year representing each of Missouri’s nine Regional Professional Development Center areas. DESE will announce the finalists for the award on Thursday August 28.

Jennifer Jones from Lee’s Summit West High School is currently serving as the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year.