Melissa Ziegler, Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovations instructor in the Biomedical Science program at Four Rivers Career Center, has been named the School District of Washington’s recipient of the 2021 Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award.
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program annually recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area – from kindergarten teachers to college professors – who are examples of excellence in their field.
Recipients are selected by the chief administrators of their school districts or educational institutions. The employing educational institution must be located in the St. Louis metropolitan area, which is defined to include: (in Missouri) Franklin County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, St. Louis City, St. Louis County; and (in Illinois) Jersey County, Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County.
Ziegler has been with the School District of Washington for 20 years and has been in education for 23 years. She was named the School District of Washington and WINGS teacher of the Year in August of 2020, and was a Finalist for the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year.
A ceremony recognizing the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipients normally takes place every year in St. Louis, but did not this year due to the pandemic. Ziegler’s plaque was mailed to her in December.
“I am honored and surprised each time I am acknowledged for doing a job I love. I appreciate the opportunities to share my passion for student success with those who will listen,” Ziegler said. “Thank you to the administrators who encourage me, the fellow teachers who share and collaborate with me, and my students who inspire me to learn something new every day.”
Melissa and her husband, Cary, have been married for 26 years and have three children. Noah, 24, who is a nuclear engineer, and Hannah 22, who is going to school to become a paramedic, both are Washington High School graduates. Zoey, 15, is a sophomore at WHS.
The last five Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award recipients from the School District of Washington have been Washington Middle School’s Valerie Jankowski in 2020, Washington High School’s Tim Branson in 2019, Augusta’s Amy Brinkmann in 2018, Washington Middle School’s Stefanie Virgen in 2017, and Clearview’s Becky Zanin in 2016.
Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award
Melissa Ziegler, right, Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovations instructor in the Biomedical Science program at Four Rivers Career Center, was named the School District of Washington’s recipient of the 2021 Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award. Also pictured is School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart.