Linda Glasgow knew at a young age that education was her calling.

“I played school and was always the teacher, volunteered to teach younger children at church, mothered my siblings and neighborhood children and worked at a childcare center in high school,” said Glasgow, a third-grade teacher at John Nowlin Elementary School in Blue Springs.

On Wednesday, Glasgow was honored as Missouri’s 2015-16 Teacher of the Year during a surprise assembly at the school.

“Linda Glasgow has a unique thirst for learning and positively impacts students each and every year,” said Blue Springs Superintendent Dr. Jim Finley. “She is a leader, mentor and collaborator, and she inspires those around her through her example. The district is honored, proud, and elated to have Linda on our team, and we are confident she will represent our district and state well.”

Glasgow, who is in her 30^th year in education, is lauded by her peers for the ability to get the most out of students while sharing her knowledge with teachers and parents.

This unique ability was on display last school year when Glasgow invited other teachers to visit her classroom during an English language arts writing lab she conducted.

“As I debriefed with those teachers (about the writing lab), they were in awe of the work Linda’s third graders were doing, and grateful for the opportunity to learn from her,” said Kacey Roush, principal of John Nowlin Elementary.

Glasgow began teaching in 1984 and has been with the Blue Springs School District since 1987. During her 30 years as a teacher she has taught students in grades K-4, and has served in numerous special education roles. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Graceland University.

“Truly, I know that I am blessed to have the career of my dreams and to participate in the miraculous journey of each school year,” said Glasgow.

Glasgow is Missouri’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition and will be honored at a banquet Oct. 26^th along with five other finalists:

• Kimberly Dailey, special education teacher at Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, through Special School District of St. Louis County
• Michael Dragoni, visual arts teacher at Buder Elementary School, St. Ann, Ritenour School District
• Amy Krinke, music teacher at Lee’s Summit West High School, Lee’s Summit R-7 School District
• Yulia Kotets, English language learner specialist at Willow Brook Elementary, Saint Louis, Pattonville R-III School District
• Melissa Nussbaum, 7^th grade science teacher at Truman Middle School, St. Louis, Lindbergh Schools

The Department conducts the Missouri Teacher of the Year program with financial support provided by the Boeing Company and the Monsanto Fund.