Southwest Region

SW Region will present up to three  awards for Educator of the Year: one to an Elementary (Pre-K thru 5th grade) one to a Middle School (6th - 8th grade) and one  High School  (9^th thru 12^th grade).  All Educator of the Year category winners will  receive a plaque, $500 and $100 to the educator’s CTA.    

The Rookie Educator of the Year recipient will receive a plaque and a $500 cash award.  Applicants must not have taught more than five years.

The recipient of the Associate Member of the Year will receive a plaque and a $250 cash award.   

All nominees must be current members of the state MSTA and local CTA organizations.  Educator nominees must be full-time and certified.  SWRTA Board of Directors are not eligible to be nominated for five years after serving on the board.  Those who have received an award in a specific category are not eligible to be nominated in that category again.

For those in your community who have given time and resources to the cause of education, you may nominate them for Friend of Education.  You may nominate an individual, a group or a business that has supported education in your community.

Previously awarded individuals, groups and/or businesses are not eligible.

Awards will be presented at the SW Region Spring Fling on Monday, April 27, 2026 at the DoubleTree Convention Center, Springfield, MO.  You must be present to win. 

2026 Educator of the Year Application

2026 Rookie of the Year Application

2026 Associate of the Year Application

2026 Friend of Education Application

Joann Cogdill Memorial Scholarship Application

The Southwest Region MSTA (SWRTA) Board of Directors will provide four SMSTA members with a scholarship during their student teaching experience. Two scholarships will be awarded in the fall and two in the spring. Each of these scholarships is for $250 and is intended to provide additional support during student teaching. In addition, each recipient will receive a paid MSTA membership valued at $140 for their first year of teaching. In honor of Joann’s memory and deep dedication to MSTA, this scholarship carries her name to continue her legacy of leadership for Missouri educators.

As a board, our goal is to support and encourage educators at all levels, including our youngest members who are beginning their educational journey. Many students face severe financial strain as they balance family, bills, and work during student teaching. Juggling these competing demands is incredibly stressful. In loving memory of Joann, this scholarship offers some financial relief to support students through this challenging time.

Eligibility

Requirements for this competitive scholarship include:

● An application that is completed in its entirety and a recommendation letter received on or before October 9th for the Fall 2026 semester and by March 5th for the Spring 2027 semester.

● The applicant must be enrolled in a Student Teaching experience in the semester in which he/she applies. If they are a full-year intern, they are eligible to apply for both the fall and spring semesters.

● The applicant must be enrolled in a college or university and completing their Student Teaching experience in the Southwest Region of Missouri.

● Applicants may not receive full-time school district compensation while participating in student teaching (e.g., Teacher of Record).

● The applicant must be an SMSTA (Student Missouri State Teacher Association) member. They can join for free at https://msta.org/smsta.

● If awarded this scholarship, the applicant MUST attend Spring Fling on Monday, April 26, 2027. Note: Spring applicants will have their scholarship funds issued at this event, and attendance is required to receive the award. This event is FREE for honorees, with additional guest tickets available for purchase.

As part of this application, please include the following:

● A typed letter of statement outlining specific details and information that would help us better understand their situation and why this scholarship would be beneficial to them. Those must be submitted by uploading them in the form linked below. ○ Information could include why they chose to enter the teaching field, current employment (outside of student teaching), family dynamics, unique situations they have overcome or are currently dealing with, and any other information that helps us know them better as a person.

● One letter of recommendation from a college/university professor, advisor, or Cooperating Teacher. Those can be submitted by uploading them through the application, or the reference can email it directly to SWRTASecretary417@gmail.com. Please be sure they include the applicant’s name, the name of the person recommending the applicant, and the reference contact information.

To complete this scholarship application, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/SWRTA-JCMS

Southwest Region Teachers’ Association will award one non-renewable $500 scholarship, named in honor of our beloved, retired, secretary/treasurer, Sharon Terry, to an educator pursuing a Master’s degree, Specialist’s degree, Doctoral degree, or National Board Certification.  

Candidates must present evidence of good character, financial need, and an aptitude for continuing education.  The recipient of the scholarship must be enrolled in a college or university and be degree seeking or enrolled in the National Board Certification program.  The recipient must also be an MSTA/CTA member and full time employee in the field of education.  Members of the Southwest Region Board of Directors are not eligible.  Previously awarded individuals are not eligible.

Full and explicit answers to all questions on the application are necessary.  There will be no interviews of the applicants.  Applications received after the deadline will not be eligible.

The application can be found here:2026 Sharon Terry Continuing Education Scholarship Application

Questions?  Please contact SWRTA Event Coordinator, Lisa Schanbacher, lchristianson208@gmail.com or text 417-234-7914

Applications must be submitted by: MARCH 13, 2026

Scholarship will be awarded at SW Region Spring Fling on April 27, 2026

You must be present