The Meramec Valley R-III Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Theresa Gish as the new principal of Coleman Elementary, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. Mrs. Gish will assume her new administrative duties on July 1, 2025.
Mrs. Gish brings a wealth of experience and a strong record of success to Coleman Elementary. She joined the Meramec Valley R-III School District in 2019 as a Business and Marketing teacher at Pacific High School. During her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Practical Arts Department Chair and DECA District Advisor for both PHS and the District 8 region. Under her guidance, 16 students advanced to the Missouri State DECA Competition, and 3 students qualified for the International DECA Competition. Additionally, Mrs. Gish has been instrumental in bringing the Registered Youth Apprenticeship to Pacific High School.
Her outstanding contributions in marketing education have been recognized with several accolades, including the 2023 New Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Marketing & Cooperative Education Association, and the DECA Diamond Award in both 2023 and 2025. Beyond her school commitments, Mrs. Gish has served as the Operational Manager at The Hawthorne Inn in Labadie since 1998, showcasing her diverse leadership skills.
Mrs. Gish holds certifications in K-12 School Administration, Teaching, Business, Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, and Health. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Teaching, a Master’s of Education in Theory and Practice, and an Educational Leadership Specialist Degree.
"It is an absolute honor to join the Coleman Elementary family," said Mrs. Gish. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve my community, which is so committed to excellence and care. I look forward to working alongside our exceptional staff to nurture a school culture where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to succeed. Together, we will build a future where every student thrives. I am proud to be a Coleman Warrior."
The Meramec Valley R-III School District is excited about Mrs. Gish’s dedication to fostering academic excellence, inclusive learning environments, and community engagement, qualities she consistently demonstrated during her time at Pacific High School.