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DESE is pleased to announce the seven finalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year.
These outstanding educators were selected for their commitment to students, innovative classroom practices, and dedicated service to their school communities.
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The Missouri State Board of Education will meet virtually at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2.
Members of the public may view the livestream and presentation materials online. A recording will be posted afterward on the DESE website.
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Welcome Jocelyn Strand to Her New Role
Please join us in congratulating Jocelyn Strand on her appointment as Assistant Commissioner, Office of Quality Schools, effective Sept. 7.
With 36 years of service in multiple leadership roles across DESE, Jocelyn brings extensive experience in school improvement, accountability, and program oversight.
We’re excited to welcome her into this new role!
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Share Your Story with @MOEducation
Share your classroom wins, CTE projects, campus events, and educator highlights — then tag @MOEducation on Facebook, Instagram, or X.
We’ll amplify as many posts as possible so families across Missouri can celebrate your great work!
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MSBA’s AI in Education Symposium returns Oct. 21 in Kansas City with practical AI strategies, Missouri district examples, and sessions on data privacy and deepfakes. The event runs 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and includes coffee and lunch.
- Open to board members, superintendents, curriculum and tech leaders, and teachers
- Registration is $175, or $100 with MSBA’s Annual Conference
Register online or call 573‑445‑9920.
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A – F Framework Feedback Sessions
DESE invites stakeholders to join session on the proposed A – F Grade Card Framework. These meetings offer a chance to learn about the framework and to share feedback.
Virtual Sessions
In-Person Sessions
- Sept. 9, 2026 | 1:30 – 3 p.m.
- EducationPlus (McDonnell Room)
- 1460 Craig Road, St. Louis, MO
- Sept. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- MOREnet
- 221 N Stadium Blvd, Columbia, MO
We encourage all stakeholders to attend and share their input.
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Read. Lead. Exceed.
September is National Literacy Month. Reading opens doors to learning, opportunity, and lifelong success.
Throughout the month, we celebrate the educators, families, and communities who help students build strong literacy skills every day.
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Aspire® Fall Recharge Sessions
Aspire® grads from DESE’s 2024–25 and 2025–26 trainings are invited to a 9 a.m. – noon regroup at their Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) for quick networking, problem‑solving, and success sharing. These training courses will be facilitated by Lisa Scroggs, DESE Director of Secondary Literacy. Seats are limited.
Dates and locations:
- Oct. 15: Northeast
- Oct. 16: Heart of Missouri
- Oct. 19: Central
- Oct. 23: ATLL
- Oct. 26: Southwest
- Oct. 28: Southeast
- Oct. 29: South Central
- Nov. 9: Kansas City
- Nov. 10: Northwest
- Nov. 16: EdPlus
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DESE and the Missouri Roundtable for Trauma-Informed Care have released the updated Missouri Model for Trauma-Informed Schools, designed to help schools create safe, supportive environments for students, staff, and families — whether they’re just beginning or already advancing this work.
Key updates include expanded information on:
- the impact of stress and trauma
- a stronger focus on staff well-being and family-community partnerships
- guidance for aligning practices with MTSS
- new FAQs and examples from Missouri schools
- and an expanded resource list
Thank you to the many educators and partners who contributed to this revision!
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Office of Literacy Reminder
Educators are invited to join DESE’s Office of Literacy for Virtual Office Hours from 10 – 11 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month (except December). After brief updates, the team will host Q&A on Reading Success Plans, K–12 resources, professional learning, school libraries, and more.
Questions? Email literacy@dese.mo.gov.
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