Nov. 29, 2022

Lindbergh Schools 2022 Teacher of the Year Kristina Kohl was one of 86 local educators honored with the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. The annual program recognizes St. Louis area instructors, selected by their schools’ administrators, for their accomplishments and dedication to their students and the teaching profession.

Kohl started her career at Truman Middle School in 2018 and is a sixth grade English language arts teacher. 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. Kohl was one of seven finalists for the 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year award.

“Empowering students with a quality educational experience starts with teachers who are passionate about their profession and committed to their students,” said Akberet Boykin Farr, vice president of diversity and social responsibility for Emerson. “This year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards honors 86 teachers who continue to inspire, drive change and build a better future for their students, school and community. We are energized by their efforts and privileged to present them as this year’s honorees.”

The Excellence in Teaching Awards program began in St. Louis in 1989 and is sponsored annually by Emerson, the global technology and software company. A complete list of the 2022 award recipients is available below and posted on the Emerson website here.

"Kristina is one of the most reflective teachers that I have worked with, constantly taking feedback and shaping her craft,” said Truman Principal Dr. Mike Straatmann, when she was named district teacher of the year. “Her relationships with students are exceptional, and she is constantly finding new ways to reach them. She has created a classroom culture that prioritizes student feedback for improvement and respect for one another. Her students thrive with her guidance.”