For this month’s #TeacherProud Tuesday we are spotlighting GOCSD Members who are Semifinalist for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

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.

Branson R-IV

Nicole Crocker

• Agricultural Education (Grades 9–12)

• Branson High School

Newburg R-II

Trista Hance

• Special Education (Grades 6–12)

Ozark R-VI

Kristen McGauley

• All Subjects (Grade 1)

• Ozark South Elementary

School of the Osage

Bailey Womble

• Special Education (Grades K–2)

• Heritage Elementary

Join the Celebration

The purpose of the Teacher Proud Tuesday campaign is to lift up and celebrate the profession and those currently serving, to recruit and inspire candidates to consider teaching, and to inform communities, business leaders and policymakers on the importance of public education.

🌟 Check out the Teacher Proud Page and Toolkit to learn more.

🔦 If your District would like to be spotlighted by GOCSD please contact Janetta Garton.