Richland’s Paul Arnold has been named Regional Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education and is now eligible to apply for Missouri State Teacher of the Year.
“In March someone from our district (the state does not let you know who) submitted a nomination letter with references to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE),” said Arnold, who teaches history. “I was notified in late April that I needed to fill out the Regional Teacher of the Year application which consisted of three essays, a bio, letters of recommendation, and a resume. I was very surprised that I had been nominated at all.”
According to the DESE website the major purpose of the Teacher of the Year program is to recognize the contributions of the classroom teacher. Teacher quality and effectiveness is the most important school-based factor impacting student learning. No one person has a greater impact on the education of a child than does the teacher who creates the learning environment where children flourish and grow. The mission of the Missouri Teacher of the Year Program is to honor, promote and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession.
“I submitted my application and from there the Southeast Region RPDC selected 18 candidates from schools south of St. Louis and west to Doniphan. On June 28, all 18 gathered along with their building administrators for a banquet at SEMO,” said Arnold. “I knew several other teachers in the room, all of whom are great educators, I never for a second felt that I would be chosen one of two to represent our region in the state contest.”
“Much to my surprise, myself and a teacher from Kennett (Kristy Green) were chosen as Regional Teacher(s) of the Year,” Arnold said. “I am proud to represent Richland R-1 and I’m very happy that I could bring this award to our small district. While my name is on the plaque, I feel that I teach with several educators that deserved to be nominated.”
Arnold said the next step in the process consists of another set of essays and letters of recommendation from administrators and coworkers.
Arnold said DESE has a committee that will review the applications from the regional winners from across the state, 34 total. Arnold said the regional winners will be notified in August who the finalists are and they will travel to Jefferson City for in person interviews. The state winner will be announced at a banquet on October 17 and all regional winners will be honored by the State Board of Education.
On August 18 Arnold learned he was one of the 17 semifinalist for Missouri State Teacher of the Year.
According to the DESE website the eligibility requirements for Missouri State Teacher of the Year are: Each teacher nominated must hold a valid Missouri Teaching Certificate and employed full-time at an approved/accredited school district, have plans to remain teaching in the classroom during and after their year as Missouri’s Teacher of the Year, the teacher must have demonstrated practice in effectively promoting student performance regardless of student background and ability, must be highly respected by students, parents, colleagues, and the community, must be an effective public spokesperson (articulate, poised, self-confident, etc.), must be selected as Regional Teacher of the Year and supervisory and administrative responsibilities should be secondary to teaching. Principals and assistant principals are not eligible.
“I’m fortunate to work in a district where teachers are supported (especially now),” said Arnold. “Our administrators and board provide us with every opportunity to be the best that we can be and they treat us like family.”