Pattonville High School English learner teacher Eleanor Taylor was named one of seven finalists for the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently announced.

A committee comprised of teachers, business leaders, and education organization officials will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year following interviews with each finalist . The winner, finalists, semifinalists and Regional Teachers of the Year will be honored during a recognition event on Oct. 19. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state’s nominee for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year.

“Over 70,000 public school educators across our state work hard every day to make an impact on the lives of Missouri students,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “Taking time to honor the top educators across our state through the Teacher of the Year program is important, as we are continually striving to elevate the teaching profession and emphasize the significance of the work they do.”

Taylor was previously selected as one of 17 semifinalists after being named a Regional Teacher of the Year in the St. Louis area. Semifinalists included teachers from multiple grade levels and subject areas who represented all of the state’s nine Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) areas. The selection process began when the regional RPDCs announced 35 Regional Teachers of the Year from across the state. Taylor was selected as the Pattonville School District Teacher of the Year in May.

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program recognizes the efforts of effective teachers, working tirelessly to provide a high quality education to their students.