Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the statewide Annual Performance Reports (APRs) for the 2024-25 school year. Missouri public schools have shown meaningful gains in the APR scores. APRs demonstrate the progress educators, students, parents, and the community are making toward meeting the standards and indicators in the sixth iteration of the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6).

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo — Governor Mike Kehoe appointed a new member to the State Board of Education (State Board), Gretchen Shull (Webb City). The appointment is now subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate in the upcoming legislative session.

“We look forward to welcoming the new member to the State Board and working with her to serve students, educators, and schools statewide,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger.

Kansas City, Mo— Kimberly Sixta, a Social Studies teacher at Ruskin High Scho

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and State Board of Education (Board) are seeking stakeholder feedback on a refresh of DESE’s Strategic Plan.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo— The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Childhood completed its recommendation of changes to the Missouri child care licensing rules, as required in Executive Order 25-15. The order called for a 10 percent reduction of the state’s child care licensing regulations to reduce duplication, improve clarity, and strengthen support for providers and families.

DESE made the following recommendations to the Governor’s Office:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo— The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is excited to announce that seven educators have advanced as finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award.

The finalists are: