Finalists for Springfield Teacher of the Year named, plus top librarians, reading teachers
The winner, to be announced May 2 as part of the Celebrate SPS banquet, will serve during the 2025-26 year. At the event, the top reading teacher and librarian will also be honored.
Superintendent Grenita Lathan recently surprised the five teachers in their classrooms or other workspaces.
The winner announced at the banquet hosted by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will compete for the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. That winner will advance to the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition.
Here are the finalists:
Amanda Brown, third grade teacher at Sunshine Elementary. "I knew I wanted to teach elementary because I believe that elementary teachers have the power to help shape how students will approach learning for the rest of their lives."
Danielle O'Neil, physical education teacher at Sherwood Elementary. "Teaching is more than just a profession for me — it's a calling. At the end of the day, if I can be the light for just one student, then I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."
Rachelle Peak, a communications arts teacher with Launch Virtual Learning. "I believe the greatest commodity in any classroom is the students and their creativity. Ask for their ideas. Implement what you can. Give them credit."
Tanner Schmidt, second grade teacher, Jeffries Elementary. "My core belief about teaching and learning is that every student has the ability to learn, and it's my job to find the best way to help them do so."
Heidi Stagner, art teacher at Field Elementary. "It is my hope that students experience joy in my classroom and leave it with a passion for making things as lifelong artists and learners."
At the banquet, the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year also will be named.
More: SPS board agrees to build new Pershing Middle School on same campus
Luke's legacy endures through her unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues, and the district. "Librarians are teachers, too!" was a sentiment she often shared. It is in this spirit of dedication and advocacy that the Linda Luke Fund was established, seeking to support future librarians who embody her commitment to students and the broader educational community.
The finalists for that award include:
David Stockton, McBride Elementary
Morgan Johnson, Mann Elementary
Lara Garrett, Gray Elementary
Established by the Turner family, the Turner Reading Teacher of the Year award specifically honors teachers who demonstrate excellence in the critical area of reading instruction.
The core purpose of the award is to reward those who impart essential reading skills and ignite a lifelong passion for reading within their students.
The finalists for that award include:
Janice Smith, Campbell Early Childhood Center
Jennifer Montgomery, Rountree Elementary
Manden Matz, Pittman Elementary
Tickets to the banquet, sponsored by CoxHealth, are available online at SupportSPS.org/CelebrateSPS. There will also be a silent auction.
At the event, Liberty Games will be celebrated at the foundation's Corporate Partner of the Year.
The Queen City Free Runners will be honored as the Advocate for Education Award in recognition of their dedication to improving educational opportunities within our community.
This award honors those who go above and beyond, championing the needs of students and educators alike.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Public Schools names 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists
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