Shelly Parks realized early in her teaching career that the lessons students will remember from her classroom likely would have little to do with grammar, vocabulary or literature. So what does an English teacher do? Connect the classroom to the real world.

Seven Missouri educators have been selected as finalists for the 2019 Missouri Teacher of the Year award: 

Six educators will be honored as Pioneers in Education on Monday, July 30, for their commitment and contributions to public education in Missouri.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will recognize the 2018 Pioneers during the 57^th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The ceremony will take place during a luncheon where more than 600 school district leaders are expected to be in attendance.

The following individuals will be honored:

Missouri was well represented at the recent 2018 National Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference in Atlanta, Ga. The Missouri TSA delegation of 122 students and 41 advisors from 28 middle and high schools participated in leadership development activities through the LEAP (Leadership. Education. Achievement. Personal Growth.) program and learned about community service while connecting with peers from neighboring states and across the country. 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced the closure of two Missouri charter schools. Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy of Technology (Kansas City) and Preclarus Mastery Academy (St. Louis) each closed on June 30, 2018.

Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy of Technology
6401 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
Telephone: 816-926-9110

To request student records, parties should contact the school directly at the number listed above or via email:

Missouri students brought home a total of 74 gold, 57 silver and eight bronze medals from the National Leadership Conference for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) in Atlanta, Ga. The students were among more than 7,500 student leaders, members and advisors who participated in the conference earlier this month at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced the 2018-19 Regional Teachers of the Year as part of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program. Committees comprised of peers and key stakeholders for each Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) area selected the 32 teachers, who are each now eligible for the 2019 Missouri teacher of the year award.

Agency for Teaching, Leading, and Learning

Members of Missouri HOSA-Future Health Professionals participated in the organization’s annual International Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, from June 27-30. HOSA is a state and international organization for students interested in and preparing for health careers.

More than 260 Missouri students from 42 Missouri HOSA chapters participated in 47 competitive and five recognition events, resulting in 23 top-10 finishes and 33 individuals and chapters being recognized for their service and leadership.

Missouri members of Future Business Leaders of America brought home 42 top-10 finishes from the National Leadership Conference in Baltimore, Md. The students competed in events in the fields of business, finance, and information technology, including 3D animation, website design, banking and financial systems, and sales presentation. Each of the events mirrored education standards while challenging students to engage in creative problem solving in real-world scenarios.

Fifteen of the students celebrated first-, second-, or third-place finishes:

Nearly 300 Missouri high school and college students joined more than 6,000 students from around the country in Louisville, Kentucky, June 25-30 for the SkillsUSA 54th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference, the world’s largest showcase of skilled trades. The students competed against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in fields such as electronics, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assistance and culinary arts.