Feb. 14, 2024

Special School District named Truman Middle School’s Melissa Wagoner a selection to receive a Key to the Classroom Award this year. These awards honor classroom teachers for their exceptional skill, dedication and learning success with students. Overall, 10 teachers across the St. Louis region earned the honor.

“We are so proud to recognize you as a Key to the Classroom award winner for 2025,” Dr. Joy Doyle, Director of Special Education at Lindbergh Schools, said. “Thank you for being such an inspirational teacher for our students with significant needs and yet boundless potential."

The qualities sought in teachers for this award reflect those required for Missouri Teacher of the Year. These teachers are often the key to learning for their students and are resourceful in finding ways to reach students of all abilities and backgrounds.

Shannon Morely and Stacey Kozlowski, both colleagues of Wagoner at Truman Middle School, shared that she brings learning to life through creative, hands-on experiences that engage and inspire her students. 

They continued to say that Wagoner launched the Truman Coffee Cart, giving students the opportunity to build social and customer service skills while gaining confidence in real-world tasks like managing orders and handling transactions. One of Wagoner’s goals is to consistently integrate life skills into the classroom, from teaching kitchen safety and cleanliness routines to civic engagement activities like mock elections that foster a sense of responsibility and community involvement.