Missouri's top regional teachers include educators from Branson, Neosho, Spokane

A Branson educator is one of four from southwest Missouri who are among the 2024 Missouri Regional Teachers of the Year.

The others hail from Carl Junction, Neosho and Spokane.

Jennifer Webber, a kindergarten teacher at Branson's Buchanan Elementary, has been with the district since 2014.

“Receiving this honor would not have been possible without enthusiastic students, the incredible mentorship from dedicated teachers and administration, and the unwavering support of my teammates in the Branson School District,” said Webber, in a news release.

She added: "I feel a renewed sense of purpose to continue advocating for excellence in education and to inspire others within our community and beyond.”

Established in 2016, the Regional Teacher of the Year program is an effort to celebrate outstanding teachers from all areas of the state.

Regional Teachers of the Year will be recognized at the Missouri State Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet in October, which is held by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The regional teachers are eligible to be considered for the Missouri Teacher of the Year.

The others from southwest Missouri include:

• Shannon Truitt, Highlandville Elementary, Spokane
• Alison Corl, Neosho Junior High, Neosho
• Craig Fox, Carl Junction Junior High, Carl Junction

The other regional winners include Jerri Anding, Meramec Valley; Hope Hunter, St. James; Melissa Willoughby, Laclede County; Barbara Spencer, St. Joseph; Stacy Walker, North Andrew County; Teresa Wiegand, Macon County; Ashlie Hirtzel, Hannibal; Jason Dieckhoff, Harrisonville; Lauren Hurst, Raytown; Jennifer Jones, Lee's Summit; Katie Malone, North Kansas City; Kourtney Michael, Grain Valley; Jessica Backs, Richmond; Crystal Hochwender, Lawson; Sarah Tillinghast, Lawson; Kelsey Hile, Jefferson City; Latricia Ferguson, North Calloway County; Nicole Ashraf, Francis Howell; Thomas Harper, Mehlville; Hester Menier, Wentzville; Jennifer Kist, Fort Zumwalt; Molly Clince, Rockwood; Beth Griffin, Fox; Courtney Duff, Bayless; Staci Venatta, Northwest; Tim Waters, Lindbergh; Darrell Gray, Ferguson-Florissant; Erin Douglas, Central; and Teresa Taylor, Cape Girardeau.