Missouri Educator Wins National Middle School Teaching Award

Kristen Engle, a dedicated MNEA member and middle school English Language Arts teacher from Rockwood School District, has been named the 2024 Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) Educator of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who significantly impact middle-level education and the lives of students aged 10-15 through leadership, vision, and advocacy.

Kristen, who currently teaches 7th Grade Language Arts at Rockwood South Middle School, is the first educator from Missouri to receive this national honor. Her selection highlights the exceptional quality of teaching happening in our state's classrooms.

"To be the first educator from Missouri to receive this award is such an incredible honor!" Kristen shared with us. "I'm so fortunate to be supported, uplifted, and inspired by fantastic colleagues and school leaders who motivate me to be the best educator I can be for our students."

Kristen's impact extends far beyond her classroom walls. She is known for incorporating engaging project-based and interdisciplinary learning experiences in her instruction and empowering her students to use their voices by submitting work to regional and national writing contests. Her innovative teaching strategies have gained national attention, leading to her contribution to the book "Writing Their Future Selves: Instructional Strategies to Affirm Student Identity."

Dr. Laurie Birkenmeier, Principal of Rockwood South Middle School, praised Kristen's dedication: "Both inside and outside the classroom, Kristen has demonstrated that she is a learning leader who immensely cares about the well-being of our students. It is a common occurrence for Ms. Engle to be the lead cheerleader for students at their sporting events, concerts, and more."

Kristen's passion for middle level education is evident in her words: "What I especially love about teaching at the middle level is students' curiosity in learning about the world around them as well as witnessing students come into their own as individuals. Every student at the middle level deserves a champion - someone who believes in them reaching their highest potential personally and academically even when they might not believe in themselves."

In addition to her classroom duties, Kristen serves on the AMLE Teacher Leaders Committee and is an active member of MNEA's Professional Practice Advisory Committee.

Phil Murray, President of Missouri NEA, expressed his pride in Kristen's achievement: "Kristen Engle exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator and an MNEA member. Her dedication to her students, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to the profession are truly inspiring. As a member of our Professional Practice Advisory Committee, Kristen has consistently demonstrated leadership and a passion for advancing education in Missouri. This national recognition is well-deserved, and we're incredibly proud to have her representing Missouri on the national stage. Kristen's achievement reminds us all of the exceptional work our members do every day in classrooms across the state."

Kristen will receive her award this November during the 51st Annual Conference for Middle Level Education. As we celebrate this achievement, let's remember that Kristen's success reflects the dedication and excellence of all MNEA members working tirelessly to educate Missouri's youth.