Sept. 1, 2022

Truman Middle School sixth grade English language arts teacher and Lindbergh Schools 2022 Teacher of the Year Kristina Kohl has been named one of seven 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalists by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Missouri Teacher of the Year will be announced at the end of September.

The list of finalists includes:

• Christina Andrade Melly, Ritenour — English Language Arts, Ritenour High School
• Dr. Allison Fleetwood, Nixa Public Schools — Theater, Nixa High School
• Cotreena Jones, Ferguson-Florissant School District — English Language Arts, Johnson Wabash 6th Grade Center
• Kristina Kohl, Lindbergh Schools — English Language Arts, Truman Middle School
• Matthew Pierce Matheney V, Miller R-II — Mathematics, Miller High School
• Katherine Meyers, Kirkwood School District — English, Kirkwood High School
• Lindsey Watson, Blue Springs School District — Grade 4, Sunny Pointe Elementary

A committee of teachers, business leaders, and education organization officials will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year following interviews with each finalist on Friday, Sept. 9. The winner, finalists, semifinalists, and Regional Teachers of the Year will be honored during a recognition event on Oct. 17. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state’s nominee for 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

“More than 70,000 public school educators across our state work hard every day to make an impact on the lives of Missouri students,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “Taking time to honor the top educators across our state through the Teacher of the Year program is important, as we are continually striving to elevate the teaching profession and emphasize the significance of the work they do.”

Kohl started her teaching career at Truman Middle School in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Truman State University, and also holds a Master of Arts in English Education and a Master of Arts in Gifted Education, both from Truman State. 

“Kristina cares about her students,” Principal Dr. Mike Straatmann said. “She also values student feedback and is responsive to it. She is a very valuable member of her team and provides solid, sound judgment in working with students and families.”