In Jennifer Harding’s classroom, math is more than numbers—it’s a language of connection, confidence, and care. This year, that formula added up to one result: Teacher of the Year.
If a newly passed bill is signed by the governor, students in Missouri will no longer be allowed to use their phones at school—not during class, lunch, or even in the hallways. The law would apply to all public school districts starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.
In Teresa Bryer’s classroom at Elkhorn Elementary, the magic of kindergarten is alive in every lesson—from the tiny green sprouts on her windowsill to the blossoming young minds she nurtures daily. This year, Bryer’s growth-driven approach to teaching earned her the title of Teacher of the Year.
With a doctorate in physical therapy and nearly two decades of real-world healthcare experience, Emily Post stepped into her classroom at the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center ready to teach, and quickly earned Teacher of the Year honors for her innovative and student-centered approach.
