June 25, 2018

Northwest RPDC announces Regional Teacher of the Year

Kirsten Applegate

The Northwest Regional Professional Development Center at Northwest Missouri State University has announced Kirsten Applegate, a middle school mathematics and computer Science teacher in the Stanberry R-II School District, as its Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year for the Northwest Region.

Applegate received her bachelor’s degree in education with a middle school emphasis at Northwest in 2014 and has worked in the Stanberry School District for three years. She will be honored at a regional banquet in September with other Northwest Region nominees.

“The Stanberry R-II district is thrilled to have Kirsten representing our district and region,” Principal Lisa Craig said. “She is a very dedicated and deserving individual who brings out the best in our students.”

Superintendent Bob Heddinger added, “I’m extremely happy for Ms. Applegate. She exemplifies what teaching is all about – reaching and teaching all students.”

The Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year award is part of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The program recognizes the efforts of effective teachers in providing a quality education to their students. Preparing, developing and supporting effective educators is one of DESE’s primary goals.

Applegate is eligible to compete for the 2018-2019 Missouri Teacher of the Year. The selection committee, comprised of teachers, business leaders and education organization leaders, will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year after interviews with each finalist this fall. The winner and the finalists will be honored at an Oct. 22 banquet in Jefferson City, Missouri. The Missouri Teacher of the Year serves as the state’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is conducted with financial support by the Boeing Company and the Monsanto Fund.

The Northwest Regional Professional Development Center supports and provides professional development activities for K-12 educators in 59 school districts in the 15-county Northwest region.