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Read Across America Week is March 2-6

Read Across America Week is a nationwide celebration of reading and literacy. Throughout the week, students are encouraged to explore new books, discover favorite authors, and build lifelong reading habits. 

If your school is participating in a fun, reading-related activity between now and March 13 (Missouri Read-In Day), simply tag (and be sure to follow) Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on social media using this information below:

• X: @MOEducation
• Facebook: @MOEducation
• Instagram: @moeducation

Click here to learn more about tagging your school's reading-related videos and photos for DESE social media use.

Phishing Attempt Targeting School Districts

DESE has been made aware of a phishing attempt targeting school districts. The suspicious emails sent out contained a link that would direct visitors to a webpage designed to steal credentials.

Click here to learn more about the recent phishing attempt targeting school districts.

News Release: Missouri Implements Waitlist for Child Care Assistance

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Office of Childhood (OOC) has implemented a waitlist for Missouri’s Child Care Subsidy Program as of March 1, 2026.

Click here to read the full news release regarding the recently implemented child care assistance waitlist. 

2026-27 Missouri Career Development & Teacher Excellence Plan

The 2026-27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan (Career Ladder Program) application will open April 1, 2026 and are due April 30, 2026.

To apply for the 2026-27 school year, each district must submit a new or revised District Career Ladder Plan that includes a current plan date, revised due dates, and a current approval date by the district's board of education.

Click here to learn more about the 2026-27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan.

School Social Work Week is March 1-7

Happy National School Social Work Week! School social workers play an essential role in supporting students, families, and school communities. Join us in thanking them for the impact they make every day!

Click here to learn more about the role of a school social worker.

Teacher of the Year: Nominate Today!

DESE is accepting nominations for Regional Teacher of the Year, now through April 14. This is the first step for an educator to become the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year program honors exceptional educators who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to students, show innovative teaching methods, and consistently display extraordinary leadership within their school district.

Anyone can nominate an educator for the award, even if they are not a school district’s teacher of the year program winner. Nominations are due by April 14, 2026, and are anonymous unless otherwise requested.

Click here to read the full news release regarding Teacher of the Year nominations, and to nominate an educator today!

Free AI Workshop for School District Leaders April 3

Spring Into AI! – A Free Workshop hosted by MSBA for School District Leaders is set for April 3 in Jefferson City. 

• When: Friday, April 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Where: 102 E. High Street in Jefferson City, MO 

Ready to move forward with AI in your district? Spring Into AI! brings together school leaders of all experience levels to learn from experts, explore tools hands-on, and tackle the big questions shaping AI in schools today. Leave with clarity, confidence, and connections to move forward with AI in your district. Lunch will be provided by SchoolAI. Spring into AI! is limited to the first 75 registrants.

Click here to learn more and register for the free AI workshop for school district leaders.