Jefferson City News

Five individuals will be recognized for their contributions to public education in Missouri at the 62nd Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators. The event, organized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), will take place on July 31, with more than 600 school leaders expected to attend.

“These individuals are champions for public education in Missouri, striving for excellence and advocating for students throughout their careers,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “DESE is honored to recognize the hard work and dedication of these Pioneers in Education.”

The honorees include Audrey Brown-Mitchell from Crystal City, who began her career as a developmental language teacher before becoming the first Black principal in the Fox C-6 School District. Maxine Clark from St. Louis, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, has focused on improving K-12 public education since stepping down as Chief Executive Bear in 2013. Shirley Cummins from Neosho was recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Missouri School Counselor Association in 2004 and co-authored the first Career Ladder Plan for her district.

Dr. Bernard J. DuBray from O’Fallon served as superintendent of Fort Zumwalt School District until his retirement in 2023, making him the longest-serving superintendent in one district in Missouri's history. Dr. Roger Dorson from Salisbury held various roles within DESE after serving as a superintendent and is remembered for his leadership as interim commissioner of education.

The Pioneer in Education awards have been presented by state education officials for 48 years to honor distinguished careers and contributions to public education in Missouri.

Members of the media are invited to attend the award ceremony on July 31 at Campana Hall, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Mo., at 12:15 p.m. DESE Communications can provide headshots and arrange interviews with honorees upon request.