SPS celebrates staff, names Teacher of the Year

provided by Springfield Public Schools

Clarissa Pohlman, a world language teacher, was named Springfield Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2026-27.

At an annual event honoring educators, Springfield Public Schools named Clarissa Pohlman the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.

Pohlman has spent the past 13 years as a world language teacher at Pershing Middle School. She teaches Spanish.

She has spoken at board meetings, advocating for student access to world languages and talking about what teachers need to be successful in the classroom.

Pohlman was one of five Teacher of the Year finalists honored April 29 during Celebrate SPS, an event hosted by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center.

“I'm committed to creating a warm and welcoming classroom where students feel safe, valued and supported. Of course, I want my students to build a strong foundation in Spanish, but even more than that, I want them to know they are cared for,” Pohlman said, in a news release. “My goal is to create an environment that supports both academic growth and personal confidence, so they are prepared not just for high school, but for life beyond it.”

The additional finalists were also lauded during the event. They include Sean Berry, speech and debate teacher at Hillcrest High School; Destiny Cathey, first grade teacher at Gray Elementary; Jan Foyewa, a special education teacher with the BASE program; and Catie Neuber, math teacher at Kickapoo High School.

Pohlman will compete in the regional competition by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Regional winners compete for Missouri Teacher of the Year.

The SPS Board of Education publicly thanked the outgoing 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Danielle O’Neil, who teaches physical education at Sherwood Elementary, also won the regional honor.