DESE Names 16 Semifinalists for 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has named the semifinalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year award, highlighting educators who stand out for their impact in classrooms across the state. 

“Missouri’s teachers continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication, creativity, and compassion in their classrooms,” said Dr. Stacey Preis, Interim Commissioner of Education. “The semifinalists recognized embody the best of our profession, and we are grateful for the impact they make on students and communities across the state.” 

DESE’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding teachers who make meaningful contributions to Missouri students and communities. The process began with the announcement of 35 Regional Teachers of the Year from the state’s nine Regional Professional Development Center areas and the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence. 

The 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year semifinalists (alphabetical by last name) include: 

• Alazé Chowning – All Subjects (Grade 2), Richmond R-XVI, Sunrise Elementary
• Nicole Crocker – Agricultural Education (Grades 9–12), Branson R-IV, Branson High School
• Heather Dunn – Media Production (Grades 6–12), Missouri School for the Deaf
• Trista Hance – Special Education (Grades 6–12), Newburg R-II
• Katie Huff – Special Education (9–12), Raymore-Peculiar R-II, Raymore-Peculiar High School
• Emily Klein – Social Studies (Grades 10–12), Bayless, Bayless High School
• Christine Logan Hollis – Science (Grades 7–8), Kingston K-14, Kingston K-14 Middle School
• Adriana Marble – Literacy Coach (Grades K–5), Blue Springs R-IV, James Lewis Elementary
• Kristen McGauley – All Subjects (Grade 1), Ozark R-VI, Ozark South Elementary
• Vondra Miller – Reading (Grades K–4), Neosho School District, South Elementary
• Jennifer Moore – Gifted Education (Grades K–5), Kirkwood R-VII, Robinson Elementary School
• Sarah Moonier – Science (Grades 9–12), Rockwood R-VI, Rockwood Summit High School
• Sarah Newton – English Language Arts (Grade 7), Valley Park, Valley Park Middle School
• Sarah Steffens – Elementary (Grades K–4), Fort Osage R-I, Elm Grove Elementary
• Tamara Turner MacLean – Gifted/Enrichment (Grades K–4), Ladue, Old Bonhomme Elementary
• Bailey Womble – Special Education (Grades K–2), School of the Osage, Heritage Elementary 

Candidates for Missouri Teacher of the Year may be nominated by the public or by local education agencies. 

Semifinalists are chosen from those nominations and represent a wide range of grades, subjects, and regions. Next, a committee of education professionals will review additional materials to determine the finalists. DESE will announce the 2027 finalists at the end of August. 

The Missouri Teacher of the Year will represent the state nationally.