Sarah Moonier Named Finalist for Missouri Teacher of the Year

Rockwood Summit High science teacher Sarah Moonier was named one of seven finalists for Missouri State Teacher of the Year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Moonier was previously named one of 16 semifinalists for State Teacher of the Year earlier in August, one of 35 Regional Teachers of the Year statewide in July and earned the Rockwood School District Teacher of the Year award in May.

DESE’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding teachers who make meaningful contributions to Missouri students and communities. These outstanding finalists were selected for their commitment to students, innovative classroom practices and dedicated service to their school communities. Finalists were chosen following a thorough review process conducted by a committee of education professionals. Missouri’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes the vital role educators play in preparing students for success and highlights exceptional teachers who exemplify excellence in education. 

The finalists will be interviewed in person on Sept. 9 by a state selection committee composed of former Missouri Teachers of the Year and representatives from educational organizations across the state. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state’s nominee for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year.

The mission of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program is to honor, promote and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession for the more than 70,000 dedicated teachers in the state. This is the first time a Rockwood educator has been named a finalist since Lafayette High English language arts teacher David Choate in 2023.

Moonier is in her 24th year of teaching at Rockwood Summit. Her daughters, Ally and Katie, both attended the school: Katie is a junior, and Ally is a 2024 graduate.

Rockwood Summit senior Skylar Holtgrewe, a former student of Moonier's in AP Environmental Science, said Moonier is a very attentive and effective educator.

"I found myself very comfortable coming to her and asking for help if I didn’t understand something," Holtgrewe said. "She’s a very understanding person and if something were to come up, she was always there to work with you and get you back on track. I think the thing that makes her stand out most as an educator is her attitude toward her students. She sacrifices so much for Summit and puts her all into every class period."

Senior Reilly Lechner, who took Human Anatomy and Physiology with Moonier, said she values how she can talk with Moonier about anything.

"Every time I came into her class, it was like a breath of fresh air," Lechner said. "I loved it. The environment in here is so peaceful and welcoming. What I loved most about it is, if I'm not understanding something during a lesson, Ms. Moonier is able to re-explain what she just taught in so many different ways and variations for every student to understand because every student learns differently.

"She is so sweet, understanding and relatable. I loved coming to her class all the time."