July 9, 2024

Hester Menier, art teacher at Stone Creek Elementary in the Wentzville School District, was selected as a Missouri Regional 2024 Teacher of the Year for the St. Louis region according to EducationPlus and the St. Louis Regional Professional Development Center. 

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors the contributions of the classroom teacher as no one has a greater impact on the education of a child than a teacher who creates a 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. 

Prior to advancing to the regional level, Menier was selected as the 2023-24 WSD Teacher of the Year in December 2023. 

“Hester continues to evolve because she never settles with her craft,” said a colleague. “She is the truest example of a lifelong learner. She seeks out a variety of professional learning opportunities and always shares her ideas with others.”

“She has inspired staff members to develop their own creativity and skills in art that staff didn't believe they could accomplish,” said Mrs. Melissa Armbruster, Stone Creek principal. “Her vision for making Stone Creek a warm welcoming environment can be seen all over Stone Creek when walking through the building.”

Menier has worked for the WSD for nearly 25 years. She is a National Board Certified Teacher. This certification has over a decade of research to support the impact that Board-certified teachers have on students. 

Menier has also shown leadership and innovation outside of Stone Creek classrooms. In the Missouri Art Education Association, she has held the roles of President, Membership Chair, President-Elect, Technology Chair, Communications Chair, and currently the Past-President. In the WSD, she has held leadership roles as the Lead Art Teacher, House Leadership Council Sponsor, PDC Chair at Duello, PDC Committee member at SCE and Heritage, WSD Special Area Representative on PDC, Instructional Practices Inventory Team, Outdoor Camp Director, and new teacher mentor.  

She has also acted as the sponsor of the House Leadership Council, Arts Leaders Club, Academic Robotics, and Lego Club. 

As one of 10 St. Louis regional honorees, Menier will be eligible for the Missouri State Teacher of the Year program. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will then select a Missouri Teacher of the Year in October 2024. The Missouri Teacher of the Year will automatically become a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year honor.

On Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, the regional honorees will be celebrated at a banquet along with their peers, school administrators and family members. Dr. Chris Kilbride, Ritenour School District Superintendent, will deliver remarks.

Missouri began participating in the national awards program in 1957. For additional information regarding the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, visit the DESE website at dese.mo.gov.