A teacher at Savannah’s Minnie Cline Elementary School was honored today as the state of Missouri’s Teacher of the Year.

Fifth grade math teacher Darbi Valenti was recognized at a luncheon today at St Jo Frontier Casino. The event and honors are the work of the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

You can find out more about Ms Valenti at the Web site of the Savannah R3 School District.  (click here)

According to the DESE website, the main purpose of the program is to recognize the contributions of the classroom teacher.

Teacher quality and effectiveness is the most important school-based factor impacting student learning.

The mission of the Missouri Teacher of the Year Program is to honor, promote and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession.

State-level honors for the Teacher of the Year include:
• Cash award provided by The Boeing Company (St. Louis)
• Classroom technology package
• Recognition banquet sponsored by the Missouri State Board Of Education
• Recognition ceremonies with the governor and legislature
• Reception sponsored by AFT, MNEA, and MSTA

The St. Joseph School District released this list of the regional Teachers of the Year:
Avenue City R-IX Janis Pargas
Cainsville R-I Eric Tyhurst
Chillicothe R-II Sophie Chambers
Jefferson C-123 Angela Lane
Lathrop R-II Rachel Daniels
Maryville R-II Jamie James
Mid-Buchanan R-V April Campbell
Mid-Buchanan R-V Katie Bishop
North Andrew R-VI Sherry Heckman
NE Nodaway R-V Heidi Beatty
Polo R-VII Becky Ross
Savannah R-III Darbi Valenti
South Harrison R-II Tara Henry