At the #MoTOY Banquet, Karla Eslinger (pictured left with #MoTOY Greg Kester and Board President Shields) challenged educators to take the time to tell their students why they love their jobs, helping to encourage and inspire the next generation of great Missouri teachers.

The MOSTOY chapter would like to thank Karla Eslinger for always championing Missouri's students while also making it a priority to listen to teachers and to elevate their voices. We are extremely grateful for her service.

2024 #MoTOY winner Greg Kester’s reason to #LoveTeaching: playing a role in shaping student’s lives. “When a young person learns something, it doesn't just broaden their mind, it changes their life.”

Take a moment to be inspired by Kristina Kohl, finalist for 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year. She is a teacher who makes a difference! #LoveTeaching

You can't watch this and not recognize the passion and dedication that Lindsey Watson has for the profession. The opportunity to continue learning and growing is one of the best parts of our jobs as educators! #LoveTeaching

Congratulations to the 2025 MO Teacher of the Year semi-finalists! News release: dese.mo.gov/2025-missouri-… Tag your teachers & join us in celebrating their incredible contributions. No better way to kick off the new school year than recognizing great teachers! #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY

Congratulations to our first 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Hester Menier, Wentzville Schools #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY Check back in 30 minutes for the announcement of our next finalist.

Congratulations to our second 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Jennifer Jones, Lee's Summit R-7 Schools #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY Check back in 30 minutes for the announcement of our next finalist.

Congratulations to our third 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Jennifer Justice Webber, Branson Public Schools #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY Check back in 30 minutes for the announcement of our next finalist.

Congratulations to our fourth 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Jessica Backs, Richmond R-XVI School District #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY Check back in 30 minutes for the announcement of our next finalist.

Congratulations to our fifth 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Lauren Hurst, Raytown Schools #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY Check back in 30 minutes for the announcement of our next finalist.

Congratulations to our sixth 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Melissa Willoughby, Laclede Co. C-5 #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY Check back in 30 minutes for the announcement of our next finalist.

Congratulations to our final 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist! Stacy Walker, North Andrew Co. R-VI #ShowMeSuccess #MoTOY

Jennifer Jones, an English teacher at Lee’s Summit West High School in Lee's Summit R-7 Schools, was selected by a committee of her peers and education partners across the state as the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year! Full release: dese.mo.gov/jennifer-jones…

.Karla Eslinger surprised 2025 #MoTOY winner Jennifer Jones from Lee's Summit R-7 Schools during a schoolwide assembly earlier today. Congrats to Jennifer!!

“I love that moment when kids have that magical ‘ah ha’ connection…The excitement of learning sometimes just can't be contained!” -Hester Menier (SCEMenierArt) #LoveTeaching

“Teaching is like no other profession. I go home every day knowing I made a difference.” -Jessica Backs #LoveTeaching

“I love the teaching profession because I love inspiring students to become active participants in their own learning journey and instilling in them a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.” -Jennifer Justice Webber (Mrs. Webber) #LoveTeaching

“I love teaching students my passion for the Spanish language...Witnessing my students communicate with others in the classroom, school, workplace, community, and traveling fulfills the reason why I became a teacher.” -Lauren Hurst #LoveTeaching

“To teach is to witness evolution. I teach to see students grow not only in terms of what they know and can do, but also in who they are and how they see the world.” -Jennifer Jones (@hackjm) #LoveTeaching