Finalists named for Springfield’s Teacher of the Year

Five educators in Springfield Public Schools have been named finalists for the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.

They were selected from among 240 nominations.

Superintendent Grenita Lathan surprised each of the finalists along with Shannon Benne, president of the Springfield National Education Association. They were celebrated in their classrooms or workspaces.

Finalists posed for photos with SPS leaders, principals and colleagues.

The winner will be announced April 29 during the annual Celebrate SPS banquet hosted by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center.

In announcing the finalists, SPS provided photos and a quote from each educator.

● Sean Berry is a speech and debate teacher at Hillcrest High School.

“I believe education is one of the few professions where you can meaningfully shape both individual lives and the culture of a community at the same time.”

● Destiny Cathey is first grade teacher at Gray Elementary.

“I want to create a classroom where relationships come first, where students feel safe to take risks and where mistakes are treated as part of growth rather than proof of inadequacy.”

● Jan Foyewa is a special education teacher in the Business Associated Student Education or BASE program.

“Knowing that my students see me as a constant, trusted presence in their lives is the most meaningful measure of success I can imagine.”

● Catie Neuber is a math teacher at Kickapoo High School.

“I am motivated by the opportunity to help students reframe how they see themselves. My goal is to help them build confidence through persistence, encouragement and purposeful support.”

● Clarissa Pohlman is a world language teacher at Pershing K-8 School.

“My biggest joy comes when I hear how my former students continue their language learning and use it in their own ways in their adult lives.”

Springfield’s top teacher will compete for Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year and that winner will advance to compete for Missouri Teacher of the Year.

Springfield’s current Teacher of the Year is Danielle O’Neil, a physical education teacher at Sherwood Elementary.

At the Celebrate SPS events, other awards will be presented, including:

● 2026 Turner Reading Teacher of the Year Award. Finalists are Alison Crane at Carver Middle School, Shayla Harris at Boyd Elementary, and Dawn Lindsay at York Elementary.

● Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award. Finalists are Lara Garrett at Gray Elementary, Katie Timm at Jarrett Middle School, and Morgan Johnson at Mann Elementary.