Twin Rivers Has recognized three outstanding teachers for Teacher of the Year 2022.
Mary Ezernack serves students as a seventh and eighth-grade science teacher at Fisk.
“I started my career as an educator about 21 years ago,” said Ezernack, She got her start working for the University of Mo extension office as a youth educator and 4-H Developmental Assistant.”
She has been an educator with Twin Rivers for the past 14 years.
“I spent over 10 years as a Special Education teacher at High School and the last couple of years as a seventh and eighth-grade science teacher at Fisk,” said Ezernack.
She is a resident of the district and has two sons who are graduates of Twin Rivers.
When asked what she felt was the best thing about being an educator Ezernack replied, “the students, Helping them and watching them learn and grow!”
“Teaching is definitely not for the faint of heart, especially here lately. There are difficult days, but it seems like on those days I would get a random email from a former student, or a letter dropped on my desk from a current student that would remind me why I do what I do and that I am making a difference in my students,” said Brittany Kelley.
For the past nine years, Kelly has served as the high school science instructor at Twin Rivers.
She and her husband, who also works for the district in maintenance, reside in McGee with their young son.
During her time with the school, Kelley has taught high school biology, anatomy and physiology, earth and space science, ecology, and general science research.
She earned a bachelor’s in animal science from the University of Missouri Columbia and a master’s of natural science from Southeast Missouri University.
Kelley attributes her interest in teaching to an opportunity she had during her time as a graduate student at SEMO, “I taught three semesters of anatomy and physiology I and II labs at SEMO. It was during that time that I fell in love with teaching,” she said.
“After graduating with my master’s I taught one semester of anatomy and physiology I and introduction to biological reasoning at SEMO as an adjunct professor. My public school career started in 2013 at Twin Rivers.”
This year Kelley has accepted a new position in the Jackson district.
“I have accepted a new position at Jackson R-2, but I want to thank Twin Rivers for making me the teacher I am today. I have really enjoyed my time at Twin Rivers. Although I will be trading for black and red, my heart will always bleed a little royal blue,” said Kelley.
Roger McCaghren is another outstanding educator that was honored with the title of Teacher of the Year.
“A favorite teacher of students for years and years,” said Landon Ham, president of the Twin Rivers CTA, of Quilin art instructor Roger McCaghren.
McCaghren was chosen as the Quilin teacher of the year for the 2022 school year and it seems he has earned it. He has been serving as the art instructor at Twin Rivers for 37 years.