Neosho's Vondra Miller one of 35 eligible for MissourI Teacher of the Year

Vondra Miller a K-4 reading specialist for the Neosho R-5 School District is one of 35 educators eligible to be named Missouri Educator of the Year, according to a news release issued today by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Miller, who teaches at South Elementary, was recently named the district's Teacher of the Year.

The DESE news release is posted below.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the 35 Regional Teachers of the Year who have been selected to represent their regions in the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year Program.

DESE’s annual Teacher of the Year program highlights the positive impact excellent Missouri teachers have on their students.

"Our Regional Teachers of the Year represent the dedication we see in classrooms statewide," said Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Stacey Preis. "These educators go above and beyond to ensure students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. We are honored to recognize their outstanding work and grateful for the lasting impact they make on our schools and communities."

The Regional Teachers of the Year includes educators from multiple grade levels and subject areas:

Adriana Marble, Blue Springs R-IV, K-5th Grade Literacy Coach
Alazé Chowning, Richmond R-XVI, 2nd Grade
Anna McGraw-Sutterer, Premier Charter School, 1st Grade
Austin Westrich, Chaffee R-II, 7-12th Grade Business
Bailey Womble, School of the Osage, K-2nd Grade Special Education
Brandi Whitworth, Bronaugh R-VII, 7-12th Grade English Language Arts
Brock Sousa, Hannibal 60, 12th Grade Off Campus Coordinator & Special Education Post-Secondary Transition Educator
Christine Logan-Hollis, Kingston K-14, 7-8th Grade Science
Christy Kelsch, Lindbergh Schools, 2nd Grade
Clarissa Pohlman, Springfield R-XII, 6-8th Grade Spanish
Diane Euston, Grandview C-4, 9-12th Grade English
Emily Klein, Bayless, 11-12th Grade Social Studies
Heather Dunn, Missouri School for the Deaf, 6-12th Grade Graphics Communications/Media Production

Jeanne McQueen, Clayton, 5th Grade
Jennifer Moore, Kirkwood R-VII, K-5th Grade Gifted Education
Jessica Fronabarger, Oak Ridge R-VI, 7-9th Grade Science
Katie Huff, Raymore-Peculiar R-II, 9-12th Grade Special Education
Kinsey Gorrell, St. Charles R-VI, 7-8th Grade Special Education
Kristen McGauley, Ozark R-VI, 1st Grade
Megee Miller, Lewis Co. C-1, 2-4th Grade Special Education
Melanie Vulgamott, Mid-Buchanan Co. R-V, 6th Grade English Language Arts
Melissa Bouchard, Camdenton R-III, 3rd Grade
Meredith Swenson, Troy R-III, 10-12th Grade Family & Consumer Science
Nicole Crocker, Branson R-IV, 6-12th Grade Agriculture Education
Rachel Edwards, KC International Academy, 2nd Grade English Language Arts
Sarah Anne Chaney, Lexington R-V, 11-12th Grade Early Childhood & Teaching Professions
Sarah Moonier, Rockwood R-VI, 9-12th Grade Science

Sarah Newton, Valley Park, 7th Grade English Language Arts
Sarah Steffens, Fort Osage R-I, K-4th Reading Interventionist
Sherry Wibben, University City, 9-12th Grade Biology
Tamara MacLean, Ladue, K-4th Gifted Specialist
Trista Hance, Newburg R-II, 6-12th Special Education
Tyler Unsell, Park Hill, 9-12th Grade Debate, Tournament Forensics, Film Studies
Victoria Turner, St. Joseph, 7-8th Mathematics
Vondra Miller, Neosho School District, K-4th Grade Reading

The Teacher of the Year selection process began with the nomination of over 600 teachers who represented 321 school districts statewide.

In the next phase, the selection committee will review the State Teacher of the Year applications to choose and announce the semi-finalists in August.

To learn more about the 2027 Regional Teachers of the Year, please visit DESE’s Regional Teacher of the Year webpage.