Lindsey Kingsolver

School building: Lewis and Clark Middle School 

District: Jefferson City School District 

Grade level: 8th 

Subject: American History 

Number of years in education: 10 

Number of years in MSTA: 10 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? My colleagues would describe my teaching style as over the top and highly engaging. 

What makes you eager to start a new year? I am eager to start each new school year so that I can meet my students, see what they already know about social studies and then try to come up with new and exciting ways to engage them in my subject. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I should ask for help more often. People in the building would have been more than willing to help me, but I needed to ask instead of just trying to make it alone. Everyone is there for the common good and I needed more support than I let myself receive. 

What is the best book you’ve read recently? “Dreamland Burning” by Jennifer Latham. It's a historical fiction book about the race riots in Tulsa in the early 20th century. It's compelling, well-written and a totally absorbing read. 

Kaylin Bade (finalist)

School building: Washington Middle School 

District: School District of Washington 

Grade levels: 7-8 

Subject: Food Cultivation, Processing and Preservation; Agricultural Sciences 

Number of years in education: 8  

Number of years in MSTA: 8 

When did you know you picked the right career? I knew that I picked the right career on my first day of substitute teaching. 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? "It centers on building relationships, but she's also skilled at multitasking, being flexible and differentiating. Superwoman." I asked a colleague and this is what she said. 

What makes you eager to start a new year? I'm always eager to start a new year because it is another opportunity to try new things. 

What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? Helping my son with his newest 4-H projects - making maple syrup in the forestry project and showing his first steer in the beef project. Both of these seem to be the start of new traditions in our family. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Take everything in stride and have patience. You'll get there.   

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you?  "You are more than enough. Remember that. You are the perfect person to do this." 

Carrie Hill (semi-finalist)

School building: North Andrew Elementary  

District: North Andrew R-6 

Grade level: 2nd 

Number of years in education: 25 

Number of years in MSTA: 25 

When did you know you picked the right career?  I knew I picked the right career for me when I started my early childhood practicum. I learned from one of the best, Elizabeth Zahnd, and I firmly believe that I am who I am today thanks to her! 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style?  I believe they would say my teaching style is energetic and grounded in relationships and teamwork.  

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you?   The first 3-4 weeks of school are all about building community in the classroom and establishing routines. Academics will not happen without a strong foundation of community and routines. 

Kelly Smith

School building: Boonville High School 

District: Boonville R-1 

Grade levels: 11-12 

Subject: English and Communications 

Number of years in education: 8 

Number of years in MSTA: 4 

 When did you know you picked the right career? When I returned to the teaching profession, I was leaving behind a very fulfilling career in non-profit management. I've always known that I needed to be in a service profession. The connections I've been able to build in the classroom and the growth and development I've seen in my students have given me some of the most rewarding professional moments of my career. And teaching really can be fun. I laugh with my students every day. 

What makes you eager to start a new year? Being with my teaching colleagues and getting to know a new group of students are both huge incentives for returning to school.  

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I'd tell myself to focus on the positive moments and try to avoid getting bogged down in negativity or cynicism. Look for little moments of good in every day. 

What is the best book you’ve read recently? “Natural Born Heroes” by Christopher McDougall is a really fascinating study of what makes a hero. I liked it so much that I'm adding the book study for my senior level dual credit writing students. 

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? I've received so much amazing advice. The best is probably to focus on my sphere of influence. I feel passionate about what is going on at the state, federal or local levels, but I can only really (attempt to) control what goes on in my classroom. If that filters out and has a positive effect on the school climate, that's even better. 

Amanda Royster

School building: Carl Junction High School 

District: Carl Junction 

Grade levels: 9-12 

Subject: Library Media Specialist 

Number of years in education: 12 

Number of years in MSTA: 8 

When did you know you picked the right career?  I don't think there was ever a singular, lightbulb moment when I knew it was right for me. My husband and I are both teachers, and we began teaching at the same school which was about a 45-minute drive from home. On the way home every day, we would talk nonstop about the kids we both had in class. Every day, we spent almost an hour thinking about our interactions with them, what worked and what didn't. The energy we put into that constant reflection was evidence to me that I chose a career I was passionate about. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher?  I would tell myself that building relationships with students is just as important as the lesson-planning and grading at home every night. Without established rapport, students aren't going to learn to their full capacity. In order for them to be invested in what you are teaching, they need to know that you are invested in them. 

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you?  Try not to listen to other teachers' warnings about students. Start every day fresh. Some of the students that I have been told to look out for or keep an eye on have given me some of the most rewarding teaching experiences. I firmly believe that is because I didn't treat them with suspicion. I hold the same expectations for them as I do for any student and, more times than not, they meet or exceed those expectations.   

Rodney Gerdes

School building: Oakville High School 

District: Mehlville R-9 

Grade levels: 9-12 

Subject: Social Studies 

Number of years in education: 27 

Number of years in MSTA: 27

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style?  My colleagues would say that my teaching style is eclectic. I am comfortable implementing lessons without technology and equally comfortable using technology in the classroom. Students will receive well thought out lectures followed by hands on lessons that are clearly focused on giving students experience with learned concepts. For instance, a brief lecture about inflation will be followed by an inflation activity featuring an auction with money supply adjustments that drive home the quantity theory of money as the source of inflation. Finally, we will evaluate the real data evidence using the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) database. 

What is the best book you’ve read recently?  The best book I have recently read is “America's Bank: The Epic Struggle to Create the Federal Reserve” by Roger Lowenstein. The book masterfully blends history, politics and economics.  One really gets the feeling of the financial crisis created by the Panic of 1907, the role of the now aged financier JP Morgan and the need to find a more long-lasting replacement. The nuance of federalism is clearly present as the National Banking System (created during the Civil War) and the fear of centralization led to a central bank with one foot firmly in Washington D.C. and the other spread around the country with powers delegated to both. It is professionally written and provides insight into some of the great figures of the time. 

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you?  John Poldan, a veteran teacher and colleague during the early years of my career, suggested that I attend the then-annual Social Studies Teacher Conference at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The price was right (no registration fee) and the content was beyond great with economists explaining economic concepts and how they fit into both historical perspectives and current events. From that point, on I went almost every year that the conference existed and continued to attend any conferences they offered. I am honored to have been a member of their Educator Advisory Board for many years now and find the resources and PD they offer to be central to my teaching of Macroeconomics. The advice to attend that conference has translated to attendance at many PD conferences, including the National Council for Social Studies, College Board's APAC and many others - both local and national. Good PD has helped me keep my teaching fresh and inspired me to try innovative approaches and lessons. 

What new hobby or activity have you tried lately?  During the pandemic, I took a passing interest in photography into a full-blown hobby. I thoroughly enjoy landscape and wildlife photography. Teaching can be stressful. I find that a good walk with a camera and a focus on capturing a memorable photograph leaves all the stress and tension that can come with teaching aside.   

Heather Helle (finalist)

School building: Scott City Elementary  

District: Scott City R-1 

Subject: Elementary/Middle School Music  

Number of years in education: 24 

Number of years in MSTA: 24 

When did you know you picked the right career? I think teaching has always been a part of who I am because I grew up in an educator’s home. My mom taught elementary in the Missouri public schools for 30 years. Music has also played a role in my life, starting when I was in third grade with private piano lessons. Ironically, in elementary school, I despised my music class. Music was just singing some songs and turning the page. When I was in fifth grade, my school hired a new music teacher, Mrs. Pam Dumey. She brought life to music and made it exciting! I experienced music like never before. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was shaping the music educator I would become. It was during my student-teaching that I knew I wanted to teach elementary and middle school general music classes. Everything about it felt natural and I enjoyed it! This job allows me seven to eight years with students, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that opportunity. I get to watch them grow in their performances, confidence, and music education! 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style?  My colleagues would tell you that in Mrs. Helle’s classroom, music education is more than just about music. Students do not just come to music class to give a teacher a prep period or to sing/play a song. My students come excited to learn history, language, math, geography and about other cultures in my classroom. The students and I travel around the world. When they learn a new song, we don’t just sing the song and move on. We find the backstory on the history that was happening when it was written and make history come alive! I have had so many students tell me, “I didn’t know history could be fun!” 

What makes you eager to start a new year?   My students are my second family and I love them dearly. The best days in education are when you have everyone (even the hardest child to reach) excited about learning!  I enjoy preparing our musicals and watching students step into new levels of confidence when they perform and bringing our community together to enjoy these performances. 

Michelle Thompson (semi-finalist)

School building: Ash Grove Elementary  

District: Ash Grove R-4  

Grade level: 1st 

Number of years in education: 10 

Number of years in MSTA: 10 

When did you know you picked the right career? Choosing to become a teacher felt like a calling, rather than just a job. I realized I had made the right decision in my first year of teaching, when I saw the anticipation and excitement in my students' eyes each day. However, the true affirmation came in witnessing their incredible growth over the year, both academically and personally. 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? They would likely say that my teaching style is diverse and adaptable. Recognizing the unique needs of my students, they would point out that I am flexible in my approach, oscillating between the roles of a facilitator, group leader and demonstrator as the situation demands. They'd emphasize that my ability to identify where my students stand and then adjust my style to best cater to their needs is one of the strengths of my teaching methodology. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Embrace every moment, regardless of whether it's challenging or rewarding. Remember, each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Continually reassure your students that they are valued and cared for, and let this compassion guide your approach to teaching. Your dedication can make a world of difference in their lives.  

What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? My new hobby lately is chickens! 

Kathryn Inman (finalist)

School building: Greenville Elementary School 

District: Greenville R-2  

Grade level: 5th 

Subject: English Language Arts 

Number of years in education: 8  

Number of years in MSTA: 8 

When did you know you picked the right career?  I can't pinpoint a particular "ah-ha" moment, but rather a collection of small moments over time that confirmed that the classroom is where I belong. Whether it's when a student understands a new concept for the first time, every student in my class is completely engaged during an activity or that small miracle that happens when a student begins to truly believe in themself... Moments such as these are what make up why I love going to work each day. I often view my classroom as my mission field and the task of helping children grow is my mission in life. Confucius once said, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." That's how I feel about being a teacher.  

What is the best book you’ve read recently?  Hands down, the best book I've read recently is “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. This book is a memoir written by Jeannette about her childhood experience living through dysfunction and poverty, eventually escaping to New York City to pursue her dream of being a writer. I couldn't put this book down when I was reading it – it was riveting! Her account of childhood was quite the opposite of how I was raised, thus it acted as what is referred to as a window book - a book in which I could gain perspective and understanding of something I don't have first-hand experience with. Many students, past and present, crossed my mind as I read this book. It was an eye-opener for me as a person and as an educator. 

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you?  The best pieces of advice I've been given from a fellow teacher were from my first principal Mark Wood from Van Buren, Missouri. He had a rule as our principal that has become part of my own philosophy as a teacher. He said, "The best way to make students hate writing is to assign it as a punishment." He would also remind us at staff meetings that it is important for students to understand why they are learning the concepts you set out to teach them. When students know the why behind the how, they will have more personal buy-in to the learning process. Over the years, I have found this to be extremely true and use this strategy daily in my classroom.  

Tricia Hinton

School building: Highland JR-SR High 

District: Lewis County C-1 

Grade level: 7-8 

Subject: Social Studies 

Number of years in education: 23 

Number of years in MSTA: 17 
When did you know you picked the right career? I knew I had picked the right career from the very first day I stepped into the classroom. Teaching was intoxicating to me, and I was immediately hooked. The energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the students filled the room and I realized that I had found my true calling. Since that first day, my passion for teaching has only grown stronger, and it has never lost its luster for me. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of my students. Witnessing their growth, both academically and personally, is incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated to be the best educator I can be. One of the key factors that makes my career so fulfilling is the amazing staff I work with. They are THE best, and many of them have become my absolute closest friends outside of school. Teaching is not just a job for me - it is a passion and a vocation. It brings me joy, fulfillment and a sense of purpose that I cannot imagine finding elsewhere. Knowing that I am playing a role in shaping the future of young minds is a responsibility I cherish and take seriously. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher?  Build relationships first! I was so eager to conquer the standards and design the best lesson plans that I struggled to balance both the pedagogy and the relational side of the teacher. As uncomfortable as it might be to acknowledge, students will not remember the best-laid lesson plans, but they will remember us! They remember the way we made them feel, the fun activities and the relationships we had with them. Be patient with the content - it will come along. Instead, establish yourself as a trustworthy teacher.  

What is the best book you’ve read recently?  I usually have two or three books going at once: a fiction, a non-fiction historical text, an audiobook and a self-help book. Plus, I read the Bible every morning. The best fiction book I have read lately was “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,” by Kim Richardson. In the non-fiction world, I just finished listening to “Never Caught,” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. I am also reading a book about eating our way to healthier life titled “How I Beat Stage 4 Cancer, Maggie McGee Protocol: The Truth About God's Pharmacy.” To say I love to read is an understatement. One classroom goal I have for the upcoming year is to read one historical fiction picture book a week to my classes. 

Sarah Mancusi (semi-finalist)

School building: Mathews Elementary School 

District: Nixa Public Schools 

Grade level: 2nd 

Number of years in education: 15 

Number of years in MSTA: 15 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style?  First, I think they would say that every time they walked into my room, someone was laughing or that they have to remind me to teach with my door shut because I can get a little loud sometimes. I also think a select few would remind me (again) not to stand on chairs while teaching (I think it adds a little something to a lesson every now and then).  I think my team would agree that I am always looking for a way to make lessons authentic and hands-on. I love to have the community come into our classroom and break down the classroom walls and give my students more real-world experiences. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher?  The advice that I give myself on a daily basis is that it's okay to not check your email when you leave for the day. Having work and home boundaries is okay! 

 What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? I think the best piece of advice I have heard from another teacher is to earn the right to be heard by my students and their families. Focus on building relationships and connections first before you try and jump into the curriculum. I live by that advice every day in my classroom and I'm thankful each day that I can continue to build and nurture those relationships, even after they've left my classroom. Shout out to all my seniors graduating this year! Know that I'm always behind you cheering you on! 

Dustin Orton (semi-finalist)

School building: Holden Middle School  

District: Holden R-3 

Grade level: 6th 

Subject: World History  

Number of years in education: 9 

Number of years in MSTA: 9 

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? My colleagues would say that no matter what, I put students first. The relationships that I build with students are of utmost importance and this is obvious in the ways I engage and take a lively approach to teaching. I utilize songs (that students remember for years after leaving my class), games and creative activities to make learning a vibrant and enjoyable experience. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher?  Breathe and know it’s okay to fail. When I first began teaching, everything was critical. Does my room look good? Is this lesson good enough? What if someone complains? What if it fails? All of these things constantly stressed me out. I wish I understood that there are going to be things that fail. It's inevitable. However, if what I am doing is what’s best for students, I’m doing what I am supposed to be.  

What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you?  The best piece of advice I was given was to be authentic. I spent a lot of time trying to mimic other teachers who “had it together” and was never comfortable - the students could tell. When I received this advice, I stopped focusing on what others were doing and started being myself. That changed everything. Students began to become more comfortable with me and I became more comfortable in teaching.