Rockwood Honors Building-Level Teachers of the Year
An important part of any student's education is a teacher who sets high expectations for learning, and the Rockwood School District is proud of our highly effective teachers and staff members.
Throughout February, each Rockwood school announced its own Teacher of the Year. That teacher then completes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) application for the district-level program.
"I love teaching kindergarten because they make so much growth in such a short time," said Stephanie Betz, who was named Blevins Elementary Teacher of the Year. "My students are so fascinated with everything that we do, and I love to see the love of learning in their eyes."
Physical Education teacher Mike McAteer was named Wildwood Middle Teacher of the Year.
"I want my students to have a lifelong goal of being active," he said. "I hope they become involved in their community and treat each other with kindness."
At Rockwood Summit High, teacher and soccer coach Greg Gilbert received the honor.
"He's very enthusiastic and passionate about the subjects he teaches," said senior Lucy Richards, who has Gilbert for AP Psychology. "He cares about what his students have to say and is engaging in conversations."
Congratulations to the 31 Rockwood Teachers of the Year for 2024-2025! Scroll down to view each Teacher of the Year by school.
Babler Elementary - Collin Overby, fifth grade
Ballwin Elementary - Laura Steuber, second grade
Blevins Elementary - Stephanie Betz, kindergarten
Bowles Elementary - Amy Reagan, fifth grade
Center for Creative Learning - Katherine Rottjakob, STEAM
Chesterfield Elementary - Laura Mueller, first grade
Crestview Middle -- CJ VanZandt, counselor
Early Childhood Education - Katie Junge, Marquette Preschool
Ellisville Elementary - Maret Welby, second grade
Eureka Elementary - Lindsey Burns, first grade
Eureka High - Jenni Highfill, Spanish
Fairway Elementary - Laura Gregory, kindergarten
Geggie Elementary - Maggie Gerrie, kindergarten
Green Pines Elementary - Tara Waterman, second grade
Kehrs Mill Elementary - Ann-Mitz Tighe, first grade
Kellison Elementary - Lizzie Wendel, librarian
Lafayette High - Stefanie Hruby, math
LaSalle Springs Middle - Leslie Thompson, librarian
Marquette High - Matt Nienhaus, math
Pond Elementary - Monica Barnes, kindergarten
Ridge Meadows Elementary - Kaitlyn Reitz, fourth grade
Rockwood South Middle - Joe Jackson, physical education
Rockwood Summit High - Greg Gilbert, social studies
Rockwood Valley Middle - Megan Rammacher, language arts
Selvidge Middle - Jane Taggart, physical education
Stanton Elementary - Karen Gibson, first grade
Uthoff Valley Elementary - Monica Summers, first grade
Westridge Elementary - Molly Clince, fifth grade
Wild Horse Elementary - Jackie Rachocki, second grade
Wildwood Middle - Michael McAteer, physical education
Woerther Elementary - Julie Ware, second grade
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