Jefferson City News

Seven educators have been named finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award, according to an announcement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The finalists are Aubrey Shortino from Trailridge Elementary in Lee's Summit R-VII, Danielle O'Neil from Sherwood Elementary in Springfield Public Schools, Kimberly Sixta from Ruskin High School in Hickman Mills C-1, Matthew Kennedy from Kirksville High School in Kirksville R-III, Melissa Maness from South Technical High School in Special School District St. Louis County, Stephanie Gladbach from Salisbury High School in Salisbury R-IV, and Timothy G. Ryan from McCluer North High School in Ferguson Florissant R-II.

A selection committee made up of teachers, business leaders, and education organization officials will interview each finalist before choosing the Missouri Teacher of the Year. The honorees—including the winner, other finalists, semi-finalists, and Regional Teachers of the Year—will be recognized at an event scheduled for October 27. The selected teacher will represent Missouri as its nominee for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.

“Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year finalists,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. “We know that the quality of the educator has a direct impact on the success of our students. We are so grateful to live in a state where nearly 70,000 public school educators work each day to ensure Missouri students receive the best education possible. It’s 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 highlight effective teaching and recognize those who strive to deliver high-quality education across the state. Jennifer Jones, an English teacher at Lee’s Summit West High School in Lee’s Summit R-VII School District, currently holds the title for 2025.