Wheaton teacher now qualifies for statewide award

The Southwest Center for Educational Excellence in Webb City recently hosted its annual Regional Teacher of the Year Luncheon to celebrate the best of the best in education.

This event welcomes teachers, their families, and their administrators to celebrate the service and accomplishments of each nominee.

Any of 41 Missouri member school districts from across the region may nominate an educator to receive this award through the Southwest Center, creating steep competition. Candidates must submit written applications and complete an interview process to be considered. The winners are selected by a committee and announced at the luncheon.

This year’s SW Regional Teachers of the Year are Kerry Mattingly, Wheaton teacher, and Jennifer Shook, Verona teacher.

‘These awards signify the incredible opportunities facilitated by talented educators at smaller school districts in our area, and especially within the Ozark 7 Conference,’ a Wheaton schools press release said..

Mattingly has taught Kindergarten at Wheaton for the past five years and will begin her sixth this fall. She serves as the district’s Future Teachers of America Sponsor, as a teacher mentor, and directs the district’s Parents as Teachers program. She prides herself on creating an environment of trust in her classroom, creating an atmosphere of vulnerability and growth in which her students can thrive.

Mattingly will go on to represent the Wheaton school district in the competition for Missouri Teacher of the Year.

She will be measured against a total of 34 teachers from all across the state, representing districts of all sizes and demographics.