Recipients of the 2022 Unsung Heroes of MSTA Award were chosen by the MSTA member service coordinators. The award recognizes those who have made a substantive yet unrecognized contribution to MSTA and our mission to advocate for and empower public educators so they can teach. These recipients are admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Some factors of consideration for selecting these individuals may include:
• Individual leadership style
• Understanding of MSTA’s mission
• Actions which reflect MSTA’s mission
• Commitment and follow through to the leadership role and CTA
• Service beyond the CTA to children, their school district, the community, or MSTA
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• Ability to handle crisis or extreme circumstances in their role as a CTA leader
Erin Dieckmann
School district: Lafayette County C-1
School building: Grandview Elementary
Grade level/subject: Kindergarten and 1st grade Special Education
Years teaching: 19 years
Years in MSTA: 19 years
Roles in MSTA: CTA President
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I got involved in Student MSTA when I was in college and loved everything about the organization. I believe MSTA wants to stand behind every teacher and advocate for them. They understand that every teacher needs a support system and I believe they do a wonderful job at supporting all of us teachers.
What has been a recent win for you? I went from teaching fourth and fifth grade special education to teaching kindergarten and first grade, which was a huge jump. I feel as though I have embraced the change and am making the most of each and every day with my students.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for the upcoming year is to do more self-reflection. I think self-reflection leads you to not only learn things about yourself as a person and as a teacher, but it allows you to grow and change in a positive way.
Casey Burch
School District: Farmington R-7
School Building: Farmington High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12+ special education, ELA, social studies, transition
Years Teaching: 18
Years in MSTA: 19
Roles in MSTA: Farmington R-7 CTA Vice President
Why did you get involved with MSTA? Several years ago, I was asked to join our local CTA officer team. Since then, I have served as treasurer and I am currently the vice president. I absolutely love working with the other officers, building representatives and administration to support our students, staff and community!
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me (and my local CTA) was increasing our membership by speaking with new teachers during their training before the start of school and signing up 30+ members for MSTA and CTA.
What is one of your goals for 2023? My goal is to help others be as successful as possible!
Holly Smith
School district: Mountain View-Birch Tree R-3
School building: Liberty Middle School
Grade level/subject: 8th Grade American History
Years teaching: 19
Years in MSTA: 19
Roles in MSTA: CTA treasurer, president
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I love the fact that MSTA supports teachers with a $2 million professional liability insurance policy. We also have a voice that is heard in Jefferson City. I feel like our profession is under a microscope more than any other career. Our expectations are high and pay is low. We have every right to speak up and demand better for ourselves; MSTA gives us this voice! I believe that when the state starts putting teachers first, they will put students first.
What has been a recent win for you? In 2022, we have more teachers in leadership positions within our CTA. Mountain View-Birch Tree has four different buildings, miles apart. These “take charge” teachers have done a great job collecting dues and passing on necessary information.
What is one of your goals for 2023? I believe that teachers are in trenches, so to speak. It’s hard to explain what is going on in a classroom to someone that has never taught. My goal for 2023 is to make Mountain View-Birch Tree’s CTA more tenacious, more focused and louder.
Leigh Ann Dunn
School district: Savannah R-3
School building: Minnie Cline
Grade level/subject: Special Education Paraprofessional
Years teaching: 9
Years in MSTA: 9
Why did you get involved with MSTA? Legal and grant assistance.
What has been a recent win for you? Seeing the growth of my students.
What is one of your goals for 2023? I hope to continue learning and growing alongside each of the kiddos I provide services for.
Megan McReynolds
School district: Jefferson City
School building: Capital City High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12 PLTW Biomedical Science courses.
Years teaching: 16
Years in MSTA: 13
Roles in MSTA: Building-level Rep for JC CTA/MSTA, High School Rep for JC CTA/MSTA Welfare Committee, Vice President for JC CTA/MSTA, President for JC CTA/MSTA
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I wanted to be an advocate for the betterment of staff and students within our district through open communication and collaboration with our district Board Office Administration. I wanted to advocate from a solution-based approach to situations to truly see growth within not only our district but also in the teaching profession.
What has been a recent win for you? Between both teacher organizations within our district, we have established monthly welfare meetings to have ongoing discussions in regard to improving our district. Whether it is salary discussions, climate/culture concerns, positive feedback regarding changes in the district, teacher retention discussions, etc., opening up two-way communication has been a huge positive impact in our district between board office administration and staff.
What is one of your goals for 2023? To get more members involved in the process that advocates for the betterment of their profession. Whether that be within their building, within the district, or even within the state. MSTA provides so many resources to assist educators in this profession and it only benefits them as educators.
Jamie Martin
School District: Bolivar R-1
School Building: Bolivar Intermediate School
Grade level/subject: 1st-6th grade gifted
Years teaching: 16
Years in MSTA: 16
Roles in MSTA: Building representative, CTA secretary, CTA scholarship committee member, chair of the state credentials committee
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I was encouraged by mentoring teachers to benefit from the many things MSTA had to offer me.
What has been a recent win for you? I completed my gifted education certification during the first two years of teaching in my current position.
What is one of your goals for 2023? I want to fully enjoy my youngest son’s last two years of high school before he heads off to college and fully support him in all of his pursuits!
Misty Grandel
School district: Fordland R-3
School building: Fordland High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12 english, spanish, communications
Years teaching: 28
Years in MSTA: 20+
Roles in MSTA: Member, presenter, advocate
Why did you get involved with MSTA? MSTA is an outstanding organization focusing on real issues facing classroom teachers and students in Missouri. They champion causes that make a huge difference in the daily lives of school community members. I am incredibly proud to be a part of their advocacy and overall body of work.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me outside the classroom would be the work in which I have been involved regarding teacher recruitment and retention on the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission. I believe the committee has designated goals that will make a substantial difference in the teaching profession in Missouri, and especially in rural communities across our state. Inside the classroom, a recent win is the excitement I see in my senior students’ faces as they hang up college acceptance letters on our classroom bulletin board. The joy and hope for the future they can’t help but exude makes this profession more than worthwhile!
What is one of your goals for 2023? One goal I have for the coming year is to convince as many people - students and adults - as possible to consider the teaching profession. I don’t regret one day I’ve spent in the classroom, and I know so many others would find the same joy I have if they would just give spending time with students a chance! Teachers are the number one factor in student success, and I believe there is nothing greater someone can choose as their life’s work.
Lana Moore
School building: Mt. Vernon High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12 Special Services
Years teaching: I have been in Education for 40 years. I began my journey as a Paraprofessional as I was finishing my degree.
Years in MSTA: 36
Roles in MSTA: I have had many roles in MSTA beginning with building representative, and have served as secretary, vice president, president-elect, and president (three separate terms) for my local CTA. I began serving on various SWRTA committees for my region when I found my desire to do more for our profession. I have served as member at large on the Southwest Region Board, vice president, president-elect, and president, and am now once more president- elect for the Great Southwest. I have served this incredible organization as a member at large on the State Board of Directors for two terms and loved every minute of it.
Why did you get involved with MSTA? My mother, aunt and sister were all members of MSTA. There was never a question whether to join or not. I have my mother’s 1936 membership card. MSTA is in our blood and I want to continue their legacy in serving the teachers and students of our state by being involved and letting my voice be heard.
What has been a recent win for you? My Community Based Instruction classes have FINALLY finished sewing their aprons! We used ancient sewing machines that were falling apart more than they were working, so we incorporated basic sewing machine maintenance into our lessons. Now they know how to sew AND fix their sewing machines! I was awarded the MRTA Classroom Grant which allowed my classes to purchase much needed items to provide equipment and supplies for practical life skills. This award has given my kids a better opportunity to learn necessary skills at their level of understanding. I was also chosen as a recipient of the 2022 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator Award!
What is one of your goals for 2023? I am excited to see what 2023 brings. A goal I have for 2023 is to continue serving in a greater capacity at the state level in MSTA. I would love to continue to be a voice for teachers. Stay tuned!
Tony Hatfield
School district: Camdenton R-3
Years in education: 28
Years in MSTA: 14
Why did you join MSTA? I joined MSTA because of the professionalism it provides. Although I am not a teacher in the Missouri school system, I am very much involved with the community, staff and students. I felt that by associating with educators, I could help protect and support the students of Missouri. Even if it is on a school bus.
What has been a recent win for you? The most recent win for me has been the opportunity to be the Camdenton R-3 School District Transportation Director. This is one of the best career moves I have ever made. I have been here now for a year and a half. It is a remarkable feeling when staff truly puts students first in what we do.
What is one of your goals for 2023? I actually have two serious goals. First would be to move my transportation department into the new generation of a smart bus/operation to this day in time. Second is to be more transparent with my team of 68 drivers and office staff. This happens when I associate with great people in the education system within MSTA.
Terri Loomis
School district: Caruthersville #18
School building: Caruthersville High School
Grade level/subject: Currently 12th grade English Language Arts, but I have also taught grades 7-12 English Language Arts
Years teaching: 28
Years in MSTA: 28
Why did you get involved with MSTA? Benefits and legal insurance.
What has been a recent win for you? A former student returned and told me, “You are a really good teacher, and I apologize for all the grief I caused you.”
What is one of your goals for 2023? To continue doing the thing I love – teaching.
Andrea Medley
School district: Dunklin R-5
School building: Pevely Elementary
Grade level/subject: 3rd
Years teaching: 21
Years in MSTA: 21
Roles in MSTA: President and vice president of CTA, currently Jefferson County Region secretary
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I became involved with MSTA when my sweet friend, Renee Bates, who was an MSTA field representative, encouraged me to become CTA president at Dunklin. I have always wanted to make Dunklin a great place to work and this was a great way to help make changes. Then, my teammate Beth Leible asked me to run for vice president with her as president a few years ago. We’ve been the “MSTA Dynamic Duo” at Dunklin ever since.
What has been a recent win for you? We increased our membership at Dunklin this year! At the MSTA Leadership Conference over the summer, we came up with a plan to catch new staff members, make connections with them and encourage them to join MSTA. It worked! Woohoo!
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for 2023 is to encourage fellow teachers. Yes, I became a teacher for the kids, but the last few years have been tough for us as teachers. This year, we have a lot of new staff at Pevely Elementary and I want to be a cheerleader for them. I try to greet each of them with a smile when I see them during the day and ask how they are doing, as well as encourage when I can. My door is always open if fellow teachers need to vent, ask a question or just need someone to listen. Teaching is a profession where truly only those who are in the trenches with you understand what you are going through, and we need each other!
Barbara Loyd
School district: Gasconade County R-2
School building: Gerald Elementary School
Grade level/subject: 1st
Years teaching: 10
Years in MSTA: 10
Roles in MSTA: CTA vice president, current president
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I was first introduced to MSTA in college before I had to be in the classroom on my own. I knew that MSTA was an organization that advocated for teachers and assisted with liability issues that may arise. The number of resources available and the networking that can be done at conferences and conventions is an added bonus!
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me is knowing that I see the end in sight (May 2023) to complete my Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for 2023 would be to continue my education by completing my Psychological Examiner Certification. There are many avenues that I would like to pursue to better assist students within my district. I want to make sure that I have the education to follow the path that feels right at the time.
Jennifer Goss
School district: Saint Joseph
School building: District-wide
Grade level/subject: Behavior Interventionist for one year, physical education K-6 for 11 years
Years teaching: 12
Years in MSTA: 12
Roles in MSTA: Treasurer, building representative
Why did you get involved with MSTA? My first-year mentor told me to get involved / join something. Being new I asked her what she was involved in, and I signed up to be a member at the new teacher breakfast for our district. At the time, she was the building representative for our CTA and a few years later I stepped into that role.
What has been a recent win for you? For me the biggest win isn’t something I have done, but specifically what a building I am working with is doing. They have really been strategic in their thinking on what is best for kids, but not forgetting that their staff matters too. They have flipped their schedule and spent money on full time staff to help support the whole child. You can feel the calmness in their building (even when it’s not calm) and they truly have the team approach. I know this happens all over in multiple buildings; I have simply had a front row seat to watch this play out.
What is one of your goals for 2023? My goal is simply to continue to grow as an educator. Stepping into a new role this year outside of the classroom has really challenged my thinking about our approach to education. I am diving deeper into trauma, how the brain develops and how to have a trauma lens when teaching. Along with learning more, I want to be able to share what I am learning with those in the classroom and help support them.
Amanda Erickson
School district: Rich Hill R-4
School building: Rich Hill Elementary School
Grade level/subject: 4th, Curriculum Coordinator
Years teaching: 12
Years in MSTA: 13 (including SMSTA for a year)
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I originally joined MSTA because in college we were required to in order to fulfill our classroom observation requirements. However, later in my career as I began to realize the purpose of MSTA, I became a proud, involved member. MSTA “advocates and empowers public educators so they can teach.” I don’t know why any educator in Missouri would not be in support of this powerful mission!
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me has been the positive start to the new school year. I am going to be very candid... before school started this year, I was not in a good place mentally. I was dreading returning to school. At the end of last year, I felt extremely beat down, overworked and burnt out, much like many teachers after Covid. A profession that I once loved was becoming the demise of me. Summer was simply not long enough for me to recover from that. But since school started, I have set healthy boundaries, learned to say “no” and stepped back from some extra responsibilities. I have started to get my joy back. I love teaching. I love standing in front of my students watching the light bulbs in their little minds flicker on. I have a great group of students and am so excited for all we will learn and accomplish this year!
What is one of your goals for 2023? My husband and I are expecting our first child in June 2023! My goal for 2023 is to successfully transition into the role of a mom/working professional.
Rodney Wolken
School district: Lexington R-5
School building: Lex La-Ray Technical Center
Grade level/subject: 11th and 12th grades in Automotive Technology
Years teaching: 21
Years in MSTA: 21
Roles in MSTA: CTA president, vice president, treasurer, building representative
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I got involved in MSTA by knowing that I would need some type of representation in my teaching career. I felt that MSTA was the organization that best represented the teaching profession by giving support to local issues and policies, as well as providing protection and a voice to Missouri Educators.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me would be having a student run for a state then a national CTSO (career and student organization) officer position. This student is now serving on the National SkillsUSA Officer Team. Seeing her enthusiasm and dedication to SkillsUSA makes me a very proud advisor. I was also the district teacher of the year in 2019.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for the 2023 school year is to continue being a resource and mentor to staff members in our district. I want to support an environment that encourages members to be active and take a role in the changes that take place in our schools. We can all make a difference and provide positive support. It’s time to “Rise and Shine” and it’s a great day to be a Minuteman!
Cheryl Houk
School district: Marshfield R-1
School building: Marshfield High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12 PLTW biomedical sciences and biology
Years teaching: 17
Years in MSTA: 17
Roles in MSTA: CTA secretary (Fair Grove), CTA vice president (Marshfield), CTA president (Marshfield)
Why did you get involved with MSTA? When I first started teaching, I was encouraged to do so by the veteran teachers that surrounded me at Fair Grove. At that point, I dove in and started going to CTA meetings and then eventually became an officer. I wanted to do something that kept me on the up-and-up of education and maybe make a difference. I took a small hiatus from CTA when I changed schools, but then was recruited back into it by Cathy Zimmerman and I have been involved ever since.
What has been a recent win for you? My freshmen this year are so refreshing! They are the most polite, eager and willing-to-try-anything group that I have had in a LONG time. It reinvigorates me for the next few years for the continuation of my PLTW program!
What is one of your goals for 2023? My goal is to not get lost or drown in the extra expectations of me both in and out of my classroom - to remember that I am important in my own story. I will give myself the room to grow as needed and not wilt under pressure.
Victoria LeBeau
School district: Bowling Green R-1
School building: Bowling Green Elementary School and Frankford Elementary School
Grade level/subject: K-5 teacher, librarian
Years teaching: 15
Years in MSTA: 15
Roles in MSTA: CTA treasurer and membership chair
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I first got involved with MSTA in college. I was a member of SMSTA and going to my first conference really opened my eyes to what MSTA is about. A lot of times, we think about MSTA and go straight to liability coverage. It is so much more! MSTA provides professional development, empowers teachers to have a voice and provides support in so many ways. After I was hired for my first teaching job, I joined my local CTA and met a committed group of CTA officers that made me want to do more. I love being an officer and helping my fellow teachers through their MSTA journey.
What has been a recent win for you? One huge win for me was having a former student come back to see me and thank me for helping them love to learn to read. She didn’t know how fun reading could be until she found the right book. Just today, I had a student thank me for making reading fun. As a teacher librarian, that was music to my ears. This award is a win as well. As teachers, we tend to just fly under the radar and never expect to be recognized for anything. We do our job and love helping students grow and succeed in life. So, this was a huge surprise and one that I truly appreciate.
What is one of your goals for 2023? I want to continue to support staff members at my school and help give them a voice. Every year, I have goals to grow professionally and add certifications or training for something new. I love learning and being in a leadership role. Finding ways to help grow, personally and professionally, is extremely important to me. Oh, and take a vacation!
Jennifer Wagoner
School district: Carthage R-9
School building: Carthage High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12 mathematics
Years teaching: 23
Years in MSTA: 17
Roles in MSTA: CTA membership chair for 7 years, CTA president for 2 years
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I like what MSTA stands for. I got involved because my CTA president at the time approached me to take over the membership chair position. Since then, I have been actively involved in leadership because I believe in supporting our teachers so they can do the job of educating our students.
What has been a recent win for you? This past Leadership Conference, I had the opportunity to share my membership chair experience and was able to make connections while helping others organize their processes. On a personal level, I love to incorporate technology in the classroom and just finished the process to become a Google for Education Certified Trainer.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One goal is to make spring renewal a seamless process with everyone checking and updating their information correctly. The better this process goes, the easier it will be for the building representatives and myself in the fall.
Maddy Johnson
School district: Lone Jack C-6
School building: Lone Jack Elementary
Grade level/subject: Fourth grade English language arts
Years teaching: 6
Years in MSTA: 6
Roles in MSTA: Member of the Education Policy Committee, member of the Central Region Election Committee, Lone Jack MSTA /CTA President
Why did you get involved with MSTA? When I was in college, I was the Historian of UCM’s SMSTA. I enjoyed the meetings, experiences and growth throughout my years in the organization. When I graduated and got my first teaching job, I knew I wanted to continue to be a part of such a wonderful group of educational professionals.
What has been a recent win for you? Over the last few years, due to COVID and other personal struggles, I’ve felt like I was drowning in the field of education. This year, I feel more positive than ever before! I’m falling in love with teaching again and am gaining confidence as a professional.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for 2023 is to continue pursuing my doctorate to become more qualified for an instructional coaching position. I am over halfway through my journey to become Dr. Johnson. My goal is to continue to push through courses and apply my knowledge in my classroom and district to make a bigger impact.
Katelyn Gibson
School district: Moberly Public Schools
School building: South Park Elementary
Grade level/subject: Kindergarten
Years teaching: 12
Years in MSTA: 12
Roles in MSTA: Northeast Region Legislative Committee and Northeast Region Executive Committee
Why did you get involved with MSTA? Initially, the support and benefits that come along with membership. I also loved the opportunities available to be involved at the local and regional levels.
What has been a recent win for you? I recently was elected to serve as a member of the Northeast Region Executive Committee.
What is one of your goals for 2023? To continue learning how to best advocate for, and serve my fellow educators, school and region.
Mary Vance
School district: Hayti R-2
School building: Mathis Elementary
Grade level/subject: Library
Years teaching: 26
Years in MSTA: 26
Roles in MSTA: CTA vice president, building representative
Why did you get involved with MSTA? We do not have a CTA, and I didn’t want to stop being a member of the MSTA, so I stepped up to the opportunity to serve my fellow coworkers and school district. I also like the security of the legal services and accidental death insurance. It allows me to walk into the classroom/library with confidence.
What has been a recent win for you? Last year, the 99 students at Mathis Elementary read at least 100 AR points worth of books!
What is one of your goals for 2023? I’m building my own YouTube channel (MV Ranch), which is chronicling the building of our dream home on my family’s 200-year-old farm. 2023 is going to include our continued journey and I am retiring at the end of this school year.
Heather Kite
School district: Ralls County R-2
School building: Mark Twain Jr. High
Grade level/subject: 6th English
Years teaching: 14
Years in MSTA: 12
Roles in MSTA: Secretary, or “collector of all things” because we don’t have an actual board at our school
Why did you get involved with MSTA? They needed someone to help at the junior high and I was new and wanted to get involved in things, so I volunteered to help and then took over when the other teacher retired.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me has been raising my own two children and seeing them become responsible, kind adults.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for 2023 is to make more time to read.
Jon Sorens
School district: Liberty
School building: Heritage Middle School
Grade level/subject: 7th science
Years teaching: 18
Years in MSTA: 17
Roles in MSTA: Former Kearney CTA president/vice president/treasurer, former region president, current Liberty CTA vice president, former AB&R chair, former MSTA state board member
Why did you get involved with MSTA? When I was in Kearney, I received an email that the teacher who was running the CTA was quitting. Lori Jacobsen and I responded and grew the group from about 15 to over 100. I started to get more involved with the region board and AB&R. I really liked the fact that the more I got involved, the more I understood the bigger picture of MSTA and education in general. I also really appreciate that members get to interact with the Executive Director and head office folks. They really listen to the ideas of the members.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win has been moving to the middle school level. I really feel like it has been a great change. I get to work with great people in an amazing setting. Heritage is “Where I Belong.”
What is one of your goals for 2023? I am running for office, so my goal would be to win and continue to impact the state of Missouri through MSTA.
Terri Heiby
School district: Phelps County R-3
School building: K-8
Grade level/subject: Music and gifted
Years teaching: 18
Years in MSTA: 18
Roles in MSTA: CTA member and president
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I became involved in MSTA because I thought it was just something I was supposed to do as a teacher. But, over the years, I have learned the real purpose of MSTA and how important it is for teachers. After attending the MSTA Capitol Days last spring, I was very impressed with all the responsibility that MSTA has and the multitude of things that they do for the teachers in Missouri.
What has been a recent win for you? I think a recent win for me is finally being able to qualify a student for gifted services. This student has shown gifted tendencies for the past two years and was nominated for testing two years ago but did not test high enough to qualify. Since that time, the gifted tendencies that he has been displaying have gotten more severe in that he would get so stressed that he would almost harm himself. After realizing that he most likely suffers from severe testing anxiety, we were able to test him in different situations and he was able to test in the area to qualify. The next time that I saw him, he told me, “I’m in!” It is so exciting to see what I can learn from him and hopefully teach him to deal with his tendencies in a more positive manner.
What is one of your goals for 2023? One of my goals for this year has been, and continues to be, working with our CTA to make it the best it can possibly be for all our school staff.
Eric Cohen
School district: Lakeland
School building: EPCO
Grade level/subject: 3-6
Years as a para: 8
Years in MSTA: 4
Roles in MSTA: Building representative, AB&R Committee, Credential Committee
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I was asked to be a building representative, so I joined and took the role.
What has been a recent win for you? Getting through 2021, which was tough in many ways for us all.
What is one of your goals for 2023? Be better than I was last year and continue to do my best every day.
Not pictured:
Matthew Bright (Hancock Place)
Matt’s leadership has led to great growth of the Hancock Place CTA. Under his guidance, the CTA has flourished and successfully bargained salaries and working conditions for the certified staff. He does all of this after he drops knowledge on his sixth grade Ancient Civilization students.
Kathie O’Connor (Fox C-6)
Kathie has a great devotion to the students that she serves. In addition to that, she has volunteered countless hours as a leader for the Fox C-6 CTA, Jefferson County Region, and the Education Policy Committee. Her organization and drive keep the Fox C-6 CTA moving forward.