Jefferson City News

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year award. Seven educators have been selected to advance in this prestigious competition.

The finalists include Hester Menier from Wentzville R-IV, teaching art at Stone Creek Elementary; Jennifer Jones from Lee's Summit R-VII, specializing in English Language Arts at Lee's Summit West High School; Jennifer Justice Webber from Branson R-IV, a kindergarten teacher at Buchanan Elementary; Jessica Backs from Richmond R-XVI, who teaches third grade at Sunrise Elementary; Lauren Hurst from Raytown C-2, a Spanish teacher at Raytown High School; Melissa Willoughby from Laclede Co. C-5, working in special education at Joel E. Barber Elementary; and Stacy Walker from North Andrew Co. R-VI, teaching science at North Andrew Elementary.

A committee made up of teachers, business leaders, and education organization officials will select the Missouri Teacher of the Year after conducting interviews with each finalist over the coming weeks. The winner will be announced during a recognition event on October 21, where finalists, semi-finalists, and Regional Teachers of the Year will also be honored. The chosen Missouri Teacher of the Year will represent the state as its nominee for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year.

“There are nearly 70,000 public school educators across our state who work each day to ensure Missouri students receive the best education possible,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “Especially during a time of teacher shortages across the state, it is important to remember to celebrate the hard work our educators do inside and outside of the classroom.”

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program aims to acknowledge effective teachers dedicated to providing high-quality education to their students. Greg Kester, a social studies teacher from Potosi R-III School District’s Potosi High School, holds the title for 2024.