Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | State Agencies
Recent News About Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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Missouri Parents as Teachers program linked to improved academic outcomes
A recent study published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly highlights the positive impact of the Missouri Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parent Education Program on young children's academic outcomes.
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Missouri allocates $2.5 million for teacher recruitment through Grow Your Own grants
For the second consecutive year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Missouri has awarded Grow Your Own (GYO) grants to 125 local education agencies (LEAs).
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Jennifer Jones named 2025 Missouri Teacher Of The Year
Jennifer Jones, an English teacher at Lee’s Summit West High School in the Lee’s Summit R-VII School District, has been named the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Selected by a committee of her peers and education partners across the state, Jones becomes the 56th recipient of this award since its inception in 1957.
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Kelli Jones named new deputy commissioner at DESE
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced that Kelli Jones will serve as the new deputy commissioner of the Division of Learning Services. Jones is set to assume this position on November 1, 2024, bringing over two decades of experience in education to DESE.
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Finalists announced for 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced that seven educators have advanced as finalists for the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year award.
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DESE announces semi-finalists for 2025 Missouri Teacher of The Year Award
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the 16 Regional Teachers of the Year who have been selected as semi-finalists for the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year award. The Teacher of the Year program highlights the positive impact that excellent teachers have on their students.
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Dolly Parton visits Kansas City for statewide imagination library celebration
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is hosting an event with Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library team on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will celebrate the success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri and encourage more Missouri families to enroll.
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Missouri honors six pioneers at annual conference
Six Pioneers in Education will be recognized on Monday, July 29, for their dedication and contributions to public education in Missouri. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will honor the 2024 Pioneers during the 63rd Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators. The ceremony is scheduled to take place during a luncheon attended by over 600 school leaders.
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Governor Parson Appoints Two New Members to the State Board of Education
Governor Michael L. Parson has appointed two new members to the State Board of Education, Tawni Hunt Ferrarini, Ph.D. from St. Charles, and Thomas G. Prater, M.D. from Springfield. Dr. Ferrarini and Dr. Prater are now awaiting confirmation by the Missouri Senate in the coming weeks.Dr. Ferrarini, the Robert W. Plaster Professor of Economic Education at Lindenwood University's Hammond Institute, has been actively involved in creating programs to enhance economics education statewide. Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven expressed excitement about their appointment,...
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Two School Districts and Nine Schools Receive Purple Star Designation
Two school districts and nine individual schools in Missouri have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Missouri Purple Star designation by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Among the recipients are Crocker R-II School District, Warren Co. R-III School District, and various schools within these districts.Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven expressed the significance of the program, stating, "This program is just one way to reiterate our state’s commitment to our service members." Vandeven highlighted the importance of supporting service...