“Throughout the West Plains R-VII School District, educators tirelessly nurture and inspire students of every age,” shared district Communications Director Lana Snodgras in a recent announcement naming the 2024 finalists for Educator of the Year. “From parents to students, colleagues to community members, we've reached out to gather stories of the teachers who have truly made a positive impact. After careful consideration, we've distilled these nominations into our top six finalists.” Early this month, each finalist was surprised by district officials as they presented the educators with the title of Building Level Educator of the Year, Snodgras explained, adding, “Yet, the top recognition awaits as we prepare to select the District Level Educator of the Year from this exceptional group.” All six will be celebrated during a district faculty and staff awards banquet to be held May 16. Those named are West Plains Elementary RTI teacher Adriane Wooderson, Zizzer Pride Academy teacher Tonya Davis, Southern Missouri Technical Institute auto technology teacher Wayne Hansen, West Plains Middle School sixth grade teacher Korrie Vance, South Fork Elementary second grade teacher Nichole Riggs and West Plains High School person finance teacher Sandra Roberts.
