TOY21

The Meramec Valley R-III School District (MVR-III) has announced Ms. Rachel Wadlow as the District-Level Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Wadlow teaches kindergarten at Truman Elementary.  She began her career in the Ladue School District, but moved to the Meramec Valley School District in 2015.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Southwest Baptist University. 

Ms. Wadlow says, “Meramec Valley has this special connection with families and the community. Even though I didn’t graduate from Meramec Valley, this is my home district and a place that accepts everyone.”  Wadlow recently co-authored a professional article in the Missouri Reader titled, Combat Stress with H.O.P.E. Wadlow states, “This year, we have the opportunity to be the light for our students and our colleagues. We can give them a reason to have hope in the midst of uncertainty. Without a doubt, this is a unique school year with higher levels of stress for students, staff, and families, but we can combat that stress with HOPE.”

The announcement coincides with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) process.  Ms. Wadlow’s District-Level Teacher of the Year recognition allows her to apply for the South Central Regional Teacher of the Year. The major purpose of the Teacher of the Year program is to recognize the contributions of the classroom teacher. Teacher quality and effectiveness is the most important school-based factor impacting student learning. No one person has a greater impact on the education of a child than does the teacher who creates the learning environment where children flourish and grow. The mission of the Missouri Teacher of the Year Program is to honor, promote and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession.

The Meramec Valley R-III School District recognizes and congratulates Ms. Wadlow on being selected as the 2021 District-Level Teacher of the Year!

Use the following link to read Combat Stress with H.O.P.E. written by Dr. Julie Byrant and Rachel Wadlow.   Link >>> Combat Stress with H.O.P.E.