Communications

Missouri Parents as Teachers Parent Education Programs Improve Outcomes for Young Children

A research paper was recently published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly that shows participation in the Missouri Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parent Education Program is positively associated with third-grade math and English language arts proficiency. This research contributes to the literature on the importance of home visiting programs and is one of the few studies examining the effects of a voluntary, universal parent education program.

Missouri Schools Receive State-Funded “Grow Your Own” Grants to Recruit Local Educators

For the second year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) was able to award Grow Your Own (GYO) grants to 125 local education agencies (LEAs). Review the list of LEA grant recipients here. DESE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes $2.5 million to support one-time grants of $10,000 to LEAs to create or strengthen their local Grow Your Own program, designed to increase recruitment of quality teachers in LEAs across the state.

Public Hearings Scheduled for Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (MVR) will conduct two virtual public hearings in October to gain feedback on vocational rehabilitation services. MVR staff will discuss the following topics:

  • implementing an Order of Selection for services;
  • reviewing Priority Categories for services; and
  • finding ways to improve services for individuals with disabilities.

Public Hearings Schedule

 

October 1, 2024, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

DESE Names New Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services

DESE Names New Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announces Kelli Jones will serve as the new deputy commissioner of the Division of Learning Services. Jones will assume this position on November 1, 2024, bringing to DESE more than two decades of education experience.

“Kelli brings a blend of vision, analytical skills, communication prowess, and enthusiasm for education,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “I am looking forward to working with such a dynamic leader!”

2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Semi-finalists Announced

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the 16 Regional Teachers of the Year who have been selected as semi-finalists for the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year award. The Teacher of the Year program spotlights the positive impact excellent teachers have on their students.

The list of semi-finalists includes teachers from multiple grade levels, subject areas, and nearly every region of the state:

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