Melissa Ziegler, Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovations instructor in the Biomedical Science program at Four Rivers Career Center, has been named a Finalist for the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year.
Ziegler was eligible for the award after being named the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year for the South Central Region, and later a semifinalist for the state teacher of the year.
The Teacher of the Year program spotlights the positive impact excellent teachers have on their students.
Ziegler, one of seven finalists for the Missouri Teacher of the Year, is beginning her 20th year with the School District of Washington and 23rd year overall in education. She was named the School District of Washington and WINGS teacher of the Year in August of 2020.
The seven finalists are:
• Kristen Dowling, St. Louis — Science, Carnahan High School of the Future
• Matthew Good, Lee’s Summit R-VII — Debate, Lee’s Summit West High School
• Rachel Hensley, Carl Junction Schools — Gifted, Carl Junction Junior High School
• Eleanor Taylor, Pattonville R-III — English Learners, Pattonville High School
• Lauren Schoellhorn, Rockwood R-VI — Social Studies, Eureka High School
• James Young, Ferguson-Florissant R-II — Musical Theatre, Johnson Wabash Sixth Grade Center
• Melissa Ziegler, Washington — Project Lead the Way - Biomedical Science, Four Rivers Career Center
A committee comprised of teachers, business leaders, and education organization officials will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year following interviews with each finalist on Wednesday, September 8.
The winner, finalists, semi-finalists, and Regional Teachers of the Year will be honored during a recognition event on October 19. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state’s nominee for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year.
“Over 70,000 public school educators across our state work hard every day to make an impact on the lives of Missouri students,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “Taking time to honor the top educators across our state through the Teacher of the Year program is important, as we are continually striving to elevate the teaching profession and emphasize the significance of the work they do.”
The Missouri Teacher of the Year program recognizes the efforts of effective teachers, working tirelessly to provide a high-quality education to their students.
Darrion Cockrell , a physical education teacher from Crestwood Elementary School (Lindbergh Schools), is the current Missouri Teacher of the Year.
School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart and Four Rivers Career Center Director Andy Robinson made the announcement of Ziegler being named a finalist during one of her classes at Four Rivers Career Center on Thursday, September 2.
Melissa Ziegler
Teacher of the Year State Finalist
Melissa Ziegler has been named a Finalist for the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Pictured from left are School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart, Board of Education member Scott Byrne, former SDOW Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer, Melissa Ziegler, Four Rivers Career Center Director Andy Robinson and Board of Education member Matt Wilson.
Teacher of the Year State Finalist
Melissa Ziegler has been named a Finalist for the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year. She’s pictured with her daughters, Zoey, left, and Hannah, right.
Teacher of the Year State Finalist
With staff and students watching in the background, Four Rivers Career Center Director Andy Robinson makes the announcement that Melissa Ziegler has been named a Finalist for the Missouri Teacher of the Year.