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Teacher of the Year Program

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The Kirkwood Teacher of the Year program is designed by teachers to honor and recognize the efforts of all Kirkwood School District teachers. The program is reviewed each year by a selection committee of representatives from each of the nine schools. The committee's objective is to provide an opportunity for all staff in the Kirkwood School District to honor a Teacher of the Year from their individual building. 

Please note: The nominee must be a certified full-time classroom teacher, grades Pre-K through 12, career and technical educator, guidance counselor, library media specialist, or hold a similar position and is actively engaged in classroom teaching. School personnel whose major responsibility is administrative or supervisory is ineligible.

The process is in alignment with the DESE Teacher of the Year program.

Teacher of the Year

Elizabeth Wiegert
Elizabeth Wiegert - KECC

Elizabeth creates a warm, nurturing environment in the 3–4 year-old Lion Room, where each child feels safe, loved, and excited to learn, while thoughtfully individualizing instruction to meet their unique needs. Beyond her classroom, Elizabeth fosters strong partnerships with families, supports her colleagues through collaboration, and ensures that every child and family feels seen, valued, and connected.

Amanda Canty
Amanda Canty - Keysor

Amanda embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, creating a classroom that is warm, joyful, and full of encouragement, where every student feels supported and capable of growth. Beyond her classroom, she is a respected leader and collaborative teammate, elevating the entire second-grade team through her expertise, resource-sharing, and deep commitment to both student success and community-building.

Geri Bickel
Geri Bickel - North Glendale

Geri's dedication and compassion create a classroom environment where every student feels safe, valued, and motivated to succeed. Beyond her classroom, Geri’s impact extends to supporting Spanish-speaking students, driving the NG musical program, and building lasting relationships with families and colleagues, making her an irreplaceable member of the school community.

Kelly Schlund
Kelly Schlund - Tillman

Kelly's warmth, dedication, and commitment to each student in her 1st grade classroom creates a space where children thrive academically and grow as confident, compassionate individuals. As a leader, teammate, and advocate for students, Kelly’s expertise in early literacy, brain-based learning, and her unwavering support of colleagues make her an invaluable asset to the Tillman community.

Jennifer Moore
Jennifer Moore - Robinson

Jennifer Moore creates a learning environment in the REACH program where students feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow, both in the classroom and beyond, offering a safe space built on trust and strong relationships. As a trusted mentor, compassionate guide, and dedicated leader, Jennifer’s impact extends to after-school clubs, the SPARK program, and conferences nationwide, where she models humility, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Regan Horn
Regan Horn - Westchester

Regan Horn exemplifies the best of teaching, creating a 3rd grade classroom where students feel safe, respected, and inspired to grow both academically and personally, all while fostering resilience and emotional development. As a leader in the KirkCare food drive and the heart of Westchester’s culture, Regan’s unwavering dedication to community, kindness, and collaboration makes her a role model for both students and staff.

Melissa Patt
Melissa Patt - Nipher

Melissa embodies the best of the Nipher family, going above and beyond in her role as the backbone of 8th grade special education, collaborating across all core subjects to meet each student's unique needs. With her student-centered approach, unwavering advocacy, and leadership both in and out of the classroom, Melissa’s professionalism, compassion, and dedication make her a true standout and a well-deserving Teacher of the Year.

Cecilia Title
Cecilia Title - NKMS

As SSD Department Chair, Cecilia exemplifies steady leadership, fierce advocacy, and unwavering commitment to both students and colleagues, designing individualized supports and fostering an environment where every student feels valued and capable.Whether she’s arriving early to plan, mentoring colleagues, sponsoring Best Buddies, or advocating for what’s best for kids, Cecilia shows up with professionalism, compassion, and joy.

Amanda McKay
Amanda McKay - KHS

Amanda McKay is a dynamic science teacher whose dedication to students and colleagues enriches the entire KHS community, from mentoring first-year teachers to sharing valuable resources for success. Her authenticity, kindness, and unwavering support for others, whether through leadership initiatives or simply being a trusted listener, make Amanda a truly deserving recipient of this honor.

District Teachers of the Year (Chronological)

1975–76

Dorothy Welhoelter, Tillman Elementary School

1976–77

Martha Schwarz, Kirkwood High School

1977–78

Marion Brooks, Kirkwood High School

  • Missouri Teacher of the Year
  • National Teacher of the Year Finalist

1978–79

Homer Hall, Kirkwood High School

  • Missouri Teacher of the Year

1979–80

Glen Chute, Kirkwood High School

School Teachers of the Year

1993–94

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center — Trisha Yettke
  • Keysor Elementary — Linda Spina
  • North Glendale Elementary — Shirley Cantriel
  • Robinson Elementary — Meida (Mimi) Steele
  • Tillman Elementary — Zoe Jane Nuernberger
  • Westchester Elementary — Terry Shank
  • Nipher Middle School — Wayne Baldwin
  • North Kirkwood Middle School — Jim Lockhart
  • Kirkwood High School — Jeanne Oliver (District Teacher of the Year)

1994–95

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center — Vicki Walker
  • Keysor Elementary — Joan Champion
  • North Glendale Elementary — Kate Knowles
  • Robinson Elementary — Heidi Ford
  • Tillman Elementary — Cynthia Myszak
  • Westchester Elementary — Barbara Truax
  • Nipher Middle School — Robert Curry
  • North Kirkwood Middle School — Cary Tuckey
  • Kirkwood High School — John Dean (District Teacher of the Year)

1995–96

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Caroline DeLargy — Preschool/Kindergarten Co-Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Mr. Rich Auer — Physical Education
  • North Glendale Elementary: Dr. Ruth Ann Faison — Grade 3 (Retired June 1995)
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Terry Anderson — Grades 1–2
  • Tillman Elementary: Ms. Sandra Burton — Grade 4
  • Westchester Elementary: Ms. Sheila Campbell — Art
  • Nipher Middle School: Ms. Frances E. (Beth) Reynolds — Grade 7 Social Studies (District Teacher of the Year; Missouri Teacher of the Year)
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. Jerry Pensel — Counselor (Retired June 1995)
  • Kirkwood High School: Ms. Suzanne Kirkpatrick — English

1996–97

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Jan Munger — Special School District Preschool
  • Keysor Elementary: Ms. Nancy Berg — Gifted Education, K–5
  • North Glendale Elementary: Ms. Mary Block — Gifted Education, K–5
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Mary Meihaus — Kindergarten (District Teacher of the Year)
  • Tillman Elementary: Ms. Joann Gambaro — Grade 3
  • Westchester Elementary: Mr. George Michael Hulsey — Grade 3
  • Nipher Middle School: Ms. Sandra Whitman — Grade 8 Mathematics
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Ms. Amy Prenavo — Special School District
  • Kirkwood High School: Ms. Janet Eto — Special School District

1997–98

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Charlotte Buchhold — Music
  • Keysor Elementary: Ms. Pamela Miller — Reading Specialist (Title I, Reading Recovery)
  • North Glendale Elementary: Ms. Jeanette S. Thomas — Language Arts Facilitator, K–8
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Carole Bloeser — Grades 1–2 (Multiage Loop)
  • Tillman Elementary: Ms. Bev McNeely — Art, K–5
  • Westchester Elementary: Ms. Jacqueline Rausch — Grade 1
  • Nipher Middle School: Ms. Ann Geiler — Instrumental Music (Orchestra)
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. William E. Gillespie — Grade 7 Mathematics (District Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood High School: Mr. Frank E. Czapla — Physical Education/Coach (Retired June 1997)

1998–99

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Mitali Sarkar — Preschool, Ages 3–5
  • Keysor Elementary/North Kirkwood Middle School: Ms. Leigh Mincks — Art, K–5; Grade 7 Art (District Teacher of the Year)
  • North Glendale Elementary: Ms. Maureen Vaugier — Grade 3
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Melanie Avery — Grades 1–2
  • Tillman Elementary: Ms. Mary Bonkoski — Librarian/Media Specialist
  • Westchester Elementary: Ms. Shirley Hetherington — Grade 5 (Retired June 1998)
  • Nipher Middle School: Ms. Janelle Jones — Grade 6 Science
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Ms. Audrey Tarde — Grade 6 Science
  • Kirkwood High School: Mr. Art Stout — Mathematics (Retired June 1998)

1999–2000

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Joncey Rubich — Preschool Co-Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Syndi McIntire — Grade 1
  • North Glendale Elementary: Ms. Robin Jones — Grade 2
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Jody Massa — Counselor (Retired June 1999)
  • Tillman Elementary: Ms. Susan Busch — Grade 5 (Retired June 1999)
  • Westchester Elementary: Ms. Gail Velten — Physical Education (District Teacher of the Year; State Finalist)
  • Nipher Middle School: Ms. Mary Jo Brown — Gifted Education
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Ms. Rosemary Manley — Family and Consumer Science
  • Kirkwood High School: Ms. Lillie Taylor — Resource Room

2000–01

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Melissa Hoyer — Preschool Co-Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Ms. Cathy Renkins — Grade 1
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mr. Don Galbraith — Grade 3
  • Robinson Elementary: Mrs. Linda Scanlon — Title I Reading
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Sharon Schulze — Grade 1
  • Westchester Elementary: Mrs. Rachel B. Jenness — Grade 2 (Moved out of state June 2000)
  • Nipher Middle School: Mrs. Sandra Drake — Grade 7 Social Studies (District Teacher of the Year)
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. Bob Stobie — Technology
  • Kirkwood High School: Mrs. Judy Moeller — Mathematics (Retired June 2000)

2001–02

  • Parents as Teachers: Jayne Montrey — Parent Educator (First Parents as Teachers Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Lisa Clarke — Co-Teacher, 4/5 Bears
  • Keysor Elementary: Linda Fobian — Grade 2
  • North Glendale Elementary: Maureen Eveler — Grade 2
  • Robinson Elementary: April Maldonado — Art, K–5
  • Tillman Elementary: Lynn McCrary — 1 & 2 Together Class (District Teacher of the Year)
  • Westchester Elementary: Mary Ann Sutton — Grade 2
  • Nipher Middle School: Sherri Kulpa — Grade 6 Language Arts
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Michelle Lankheit — Grade 6 Math, Social Studies, and Reading
  • Kirkwood High School: Connie Copley — Language Arts

2002–03

  • Parents as Teachers: Mrs. Edie Quick — Parent Educator
  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Laura Cochran — Preschool Teacher for Two-Year-Olds
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Trish Gaines — Grade 2
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mr. Keith Price — Physical Education
  • Robinson Elementary: Mrs. Jennifer Sisul — Grade 2
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Kathy Grzesik — Full-Day Kindergarten
  • Westchester Elementary: Mrs. Nancy Grow — Grade 5
  • Nipher Middle School: Mr. Adam Smith — Grades 7–8 Industrial Technology
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mrs. Perry Cizek — Grade 7 Communication Arts/Journalism (Moved June 2002)
  • Kirkwood High School: Mr. Philip McFarland — Social Studies (District Teacher of the Year)

2003–04

  • Parents as Teachers: Mrs. Mary Kay Krietler — Parent Educator
  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Allison Davis — Inclusion Facilitator
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Stephanie Byrne — Grade 4/5 Multiage Class
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mrs. Tracy Winslade — Grade 5
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Amy Matrisotto — Grade 4 (Moved to Memphis, Tennessee, June 2003)
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Betty Polles — Vocal Music
  • Westchester Elementary: Dr. John Kulla-Branz — Full-Day Kindergarten
  • Nipher Middle School: Mrs. Patty Goeke — Grade 8 Math/Science
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. Patrick Jackson — Instrumental Music/Orchestra (District Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood High School: Mrs. Debra Shrout — Language Arts

2004–05

  • Parents as Teachers: Mrs. Margie Zitko — Parent Educator
  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Allison Davis — Preschool Teacher (Three-Year-Olds)
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Gail Stobie — Special Education, Grades 2–5 (Special School District)
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mrs. Marcia Hansen — Music, K–5
  • Robinson Elementary: Mr. Steven Pursley — Grade 3 (District Teacher of the Year; Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist)
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Connie Smith — Literacy Specialist
  • Westchester Elementary: Mrs. Elizabeth A. Phillips Coan — Music, K–5
  • Nipher Middle School: Mrs. Laura Schowalter — Grade 6 Math
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mrs. Meagan Mottl — Grade 7 Language Arts
  • Kirkwood High School: Mr. Larry Anderson — Foreign Language (German)

2005–06

  • Parents as Teachers: Joanne Wickenhauser — Parent Educator
  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Mary Pat Blaskiewicz — Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Allison Brown — Grade 4
  • North Glendale Elementary: Megan Reznicek — Physical Education
  • Robinson Elementary: Carrie Merritt — Grade 3
  • Tillman Elementary: Helen Ermel — Grade 1
  • Westchester Elementary: Donita Hippensteel — Kindergarten
  • Nipher Middle School: Barbara Pener — Grade 8 Science (District Teacher of the Year)
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Bonnie Nicholas — Gifted Education/Math
  • Kirkwood High School: Julie Hundman — Physical Education/Health

2006–07

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Megan Conner — Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Keysor Elementary: Keri Ems — Grade 3
  • North Glendale Elementary: Nancy McCormac — Grade 4
  • Robinson Elementary: Diane Moffitt — Physical Education/Health
  • Tillman Elementary: Leslie Johnson — Guidance Counselor
  • Westchester Elementary: Marla Drewel-Lynch — Physical Education/Health
  • Nipher Middle School: Barbara Browmell — Special School District Speech-Language Pathologist
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Tammy Dowell — Grade 8 Mathematics
  • Kirkwood High School: Steve Jonak — Mathematics (District Teacher of the Year)

2007–08

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Susan Talley — Parents as Teachers Parent Educator
  • Keysor Elementary: Tracy St. Clair — Vocal Music
  • North Glendale Elementary: Vicki Johnson — Literacy Specialist
  • Robinson Elementary: Erika Bell — Grade 5
  • Tillman Elementary: Clay Mosley — Art, K–5
  • Westchester Elementary: Jennifer Vernon — Grade 3
  • Nipher Middle School: Sarah Shuster — Grade 8 Mathematics
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Ruth Baldwin — Grade 8 Science (District Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood High School: Paula Stevens — German Levels 1–AP

2008–09

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Ms. Dana Opperman — Early Childhood Educator
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Chris Ostendorf — Grade 5
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mrs. Laura Sammon — Grade 2
  • Robinson Elementary: Mrs. Rochelle Weidinger — Kindergarten
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Camille Fried — Grade 5
  • Westchester Elementary: Ms. Janet Mueller — Special School District Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Nipher Middle School: Mr. Ed Bielik — Physical Education
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. Chris Hooker — Grade 8 Science/Reading
  • Kirkwood High School: Mr. Joe Bartin — Science/Physics (District Teacher of the Year)

2009–10

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Mrs. Genna Pennington — Early Childhood Educator
  • Keysor Elementary: Ms. Kelly Lauberth — Grade 4
  • North Glendale Elementary: Miss Megan Boyer — Art
  • Robinson Elementary: Mrs. Miranda Dix — Grade 4
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Yeck — Instructional Specialist, Grades 4–5
  • Westchester Elementary: Mrs. Cam Newman — Grade 4
  • Nipher Middle School: Mrs. Kelly Judge — Orchestra
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. Barry Crook — Library Media Specialist (District Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood High School: Ms. Amy McBride Barker — English, Grade 12

2010–11

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Mrs. Margaret (Maggie) Naucke — Early Childhood Special Education
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Robin Ehrlich — Physical Education/Health, K–5
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mrs. Elizabeth Stickley — Grade 1
  • Robinson Elementary: Mrs. Christina Wilson — Special Education (Special School District)
  • Tillman Elementary: Ms. Melissa Yount — Instructional Specialist (Resigned June 30, 2010, to become an elementary assistant principal in Parkway School District)
  • Westchester Elementary: Mrs. Molly Heckenberg — Grade 5
  • Nipher Middle School: Mrs. Maria Phillips — Literacy Specialist
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mr. Matt Maniaci — Grade 6 Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading
  • Kirkwood High School: Mr. Robert (Bob) Becker — Science (Chemistry) (District Teacher of the Year; Missouri Teacher of the Year)

2011–12

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Mrs. Lorrie Kurtz — Special Education Educator and Parent Educator
  • Keysor Elementary: Mrs. Melissa John — Math Specialist
  • North Glendale Elementary: Mr. Damian Pritchard — Grade 5
  • Robinson Elementary: Ms. Rachael Turken — Grade 1
  • Tillman Elementary: Mrs. Lisa Diedrich — Grade 2
  • Westchester Elementary: Mrs. Cindy Bernsen — Intervention Specialist
  • Nipher Middle School: Mr. Mark Banaszak — German Language
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Mrs. Maria Stobbe — Grade 7 Communication Arts, Reading, and Service Learning (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood High School: Mrs. Nancy Grimes — Art

2012–13

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Kathy Ury — Early Childhood Special Education and Autism Consultant
  • Keysor Elementary: Robyn Hoffmann — Grade 5
  • North Glendale Elementary: Amy Potsou — Grade 3
  • Robinson Elementary: Pam LeSeure — Grade 5 (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Tillman Elementary: Mary Hill — Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Westchester Elementary: Amy Cobb — Library Media Specialist
  • Nipher Middle School: Stephanie Ruedlin — Grade 8 Social Studies
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Michelle Fink — Guidance Counselor
  • Kirkwood High School: Margaret DeYoung — Math/ATLAS

2013–14

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Melinda Heaton — Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Jennifer McCoy — Grade 4
  • North Glendale Elementary: Ellen Caffey — Grade 3
  • Robinson Elementary: Mitzi Jackson — Grade 1
  • Tillman Elementary: Amy Gallant — Grade 4
  • Westchester Elementary: Kathy Collier-Paul — Grade 1
  • Nipher Middle School: Cyndi Sullivan — Literacy Specialist
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Ron Taylor — Grade 7 Social Studies
  • Kirkwood High School: David Olderman — Social Studies (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)

2014–15

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Patty Fisher — Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Robin Wellman — Grade 2
  • North Glendale Elementary: Christie McClain — Grade 2
  • Robinson Elementary: Barb Sondermann — Reading Specialist
  • Tillman Elementary: Lisa Hendry — Kindergarten
  • Westchester Elementary: Cindy Voller — Gifted Education
  • Nipher Middle School: Chris Anich — Drama/Speech
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Melissa Banjak — Language Arts
  • Kirkwood High School: BJ Kenyon — Social Studies (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)

2015–16

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Lillian Hesselbach — Early Childhood Teacher
  • Keysor Elementary: Ta'Keshia Parker — Grade 3 (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • North Glendale Elementary: Deb Preuss — Grade 5
  • Robinson Elementary: Jennifer Clark — Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Tillman Elementary: Dan Mueller — Grade 3
  • Westchester Elementary: Laura Young — Physical Education
  • Nipher Middle School: Florence Borman — Social Studies
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Alyssa Baumann — Math
  • Kirkwood High School: Sharon Taysi — Science

2016–17

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Sue McGhee — Occupational Therapist
  • Keysor Elementary: Jennifer Bartin — Grade 2
  • North Glendale Elementary: Barb Swalina — Grade 1
  • Robinson Elementary: Sally Miller — Guidance
  • Tillman Elementary: Joe Schoen — Vocal Music (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Westchester Elementary: Nathan Alwood — Grade 5
  • Nipher Middle School: Fariga Drayton — Performing Arts/Instrumental Music
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Jennifer Erby — Social Studies
  • Kirkwood High School: Madeline Raimondo — Social Studies

2017–18

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Monica Ealy — Early Childhood Educator
  • Keysor Elementary: Vanessa Lang — Art
  • North Glendale Elementary: Caitlin Ahearn — Grade 3
  • Robinson Elementary: Jennifer Morgan — Physical Education
  • Tillman Elementary: Lisa Grommet — Gifted Education
  • Westchester Elementary: Amanda Wyman — Kindergarten
  • Nipher Middle School: Adam Scimone — Gifted Education (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Brenda Alexander — Grade 7 Mathematics
  • Kirkwood High School: Randy Kriewall — Mathematics

2018–19

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Christa Payton (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Keysor Elementary: Leslie Smart
  • North Glendale Elementary: Jane Fairbanks
  • Robinson Elementary: Pam Harris
  • Tillman Elementary: Tamala Merritt
  • Westchester Elementary: Jenni Ono
  • Nipher Middle School: Kerry Schendel
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Brandy Fink
  • Kirkwood High School: Gina Woodard

2019–20

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Penny Chastain — Parent Educator
  • Keysor Elementary: Molly Brockmeyer — Grade 3
  • North Glendale Elementary: Lori Wehrman — Vocal Music
  • Robinson Elementary: Shannon Applebaum — Grade 3
  • Tillman Elementary: Molly Boesch — Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Westchester Elementary: Chelsea Witwer — Grade 5
  • Nipher Middle School: Luis Actis — Math
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Denise Ford — Gifted Education (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Kirkwood High School: Mitch Eden — Journalism

2020–21

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Sarah Johnson — Three-Year-Olds
  • Keysor Elementary: Amber Lane — Special School District
  • North Glendale Elementary: Amy Stephens — English Language Learner (ELL)
  • Robinson Elementary: Teresa Uhles — Grade 3
  • Tillman Elementary: Christy Newsham — Grade 4 (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Westchester Elementary: Andrea Beckerle — Art
  • Nipher Middle School: Jennifer Sievers — English Language Arts
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Katie Murphy — Special School District
  • Kirkwood High School: Kelly Schnieder — Drama/Theater

2021–22

Teacher of the Year program paused due to COVID-19.

During the 2021–22 school year, the district recognized staff members through its #ThankfulForYou campaign in place of the annual Teacher of the Year program.

2022–23

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Susan Tiffany — Early Childhood
  • Keysor Elementary: Katie Lorenz — Kindergarten
  • North Glendale Elementary: Julie Pritichard — Kindergarten
  • Robinson Elementary: Dr. Laura Grayson — Grade 3
  • Tillman Elementary: Elizabeth Curtis — Library Media Specialist
  • Westchester Elementary: Adrienne Fox-Ray — Grade 3
  • Nipher Middle School: Scott Warren — Social Studies
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Kristin Siebert — Health/Physical Education
  • Kirkwood High School: Katie Meyers — English (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)

2023–24

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Kayla Mahoney
  • Keysor Elementary: Emily Flesch
  • North Glendale Elementary: Amanda Kempter
  • Robinson Elementary: Kristin Davis
  • Tillman Elementary: Jamie Rose
  • Westchester Elementary: Beth Doht
  • Nipher Middle School: Christy White
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Ann Brobbel
  • Kirkwood High School: Janet Mees Reinert (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)

2024–25

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Holly Mason
  • Keysor Elementary: Maggie Perkins
  • North Glendale Elementary: Katy Van Maaren
  • Robinson Elementary: Kelley Lawrence
  • Tillman Elementary: Courtney Wells (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)
  • Westchester Elementary: Ashley Crannage
  • Nipher Middle School: Jessica Cochran
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Lisa Owens
  • Kirkwood High School: Jeff Gutjahr

2025–26

  • Kirkwood Early Childhood Center: Jessica Grib
  • Keysor Elementary: Leah Thomas
  • North Glendale Elementary: Tom Butler
  • Robinson Elementary: Cindy Star
  • Tillman Elementary: Carmen Rose
  • Westchester Elementary: Larry Morgan
  • Nipher Middle School: Carmon Griffin
  • North Kirkwood Middle School: Heidi Gioia
  • Kirkwood High School: Bill Bensinger (Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year)

Kirkwood School District Teachers of the Year History of the Program

1975–76 through 1992–93

During the early years of the Teacher of the Year program, the district recognized one District Teacher of the Year each year.

1993–94

Beginning with the 1993–94 school year, each school selected its own Teacher of the Year. Eligible school winners could choose to apply for the District Teacher of the Year designation.

2000–01

Beginning in the 2000–01 school year, each Teacher of the Year received the Kirkwood School District Foundation Award, a monetary award sponsored by Robert and Lynn Piening.

2001–02

Parents as Teachers joined the Teacher of the Year program and began recognizing its own Teacher of the Year.

2005–06

Following the reorganization of the Kirkwood Early Childhood Center, KECC began selecting one Teacher of the Year to represent all early childhood programs.

2021–22

The Teacher of the Year program was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff members were recognized through the district's #ThankfulForYou campaign.