Springfield Teacher of the Year finalists hail from Central, Gray, Pipkin, Sequiota

Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read

This year, more than 370 teachers were nominated for Springfield Public Schools' Teacher of the Year.

Of those, five finalists were named — two from Central High School and one each from Gray Elementary, Pipkin Middle School and Sequiota Elementary.

Springfield 2023-24 Teacher of the Year finalists, from left: Tiffany Lynch, Sam Shelton, Josh Cantrell, Rachel Hoing and Robin Davidson.
Springfield 2023-24 Teacher of the Year finalists, from left: Tiffany Lynch, Sam Shelton, Josh Cantrell, Rachel Hoing and Robin Davidson.

Springfield's Teacher of the Year for 2023-24 will be named April 17 at the Celebrate SPS event hosted annually by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

The winner will compete for Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. That winner will advance to the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition.

Here are the finalists:

  • Josh Cantrell, media teacher, Central High School: "My proudest moment so far as an educator was when I watched a student who had struggled, walk across the stage to receive their diploma."

  • Robin Davidson, fourth grade teacher, Gray Elementary: "A good day in my classroom is when my students rise up and take charge of their purpose."

  • Rachel Hoing, kindergarten teacher, Sequiota Elementary: "My advice to an incoming or new teacher would be to always remember your reason why."

  • Tiffany Lynch, special education teacher, Pipkin Middle School: "As educators, we are planting seeds."

  • Sam Shelton, shop and engineering teacher, Central High School: "No one learns without trust. Build relationships."

Nathan Cook, choir director at Parkview High School, is the reigning Teacher of the Year. He is expected to speak at the Celebrate SPS event, which starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Oasis Convention Centre, 2550 N. Glenstone Ave.

More: Parkview High School choir director named Springfield's 2023 Teacher of the Year

The foundation will honor others at the event, including Jill Norman, recently named the 2023 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year. Norman is the library media specialist for Cowden Elementary.

“Years ago, this dynamic teacher, Jill Norman, sparked all kinds of interest in literacy and now she is working in the library at Cowden.” said an individual who nominated Norman. “Jill Norman is a memorable teacher who challenges your thinking and pours herself into everything that surrounds her.”

This year, the foundation will also honor 2023 Advocate for Education Matt Simpson and Corporate Partner of the Year, which is CoxHealth.

“I can think of no one more deserving of Advocate for Education than Matt Simpson. Matt has given countless hours to support our schools and continues to be one of our biggest cheerleaders. He inspires us all,” said executive director Natalie Murdock in a news release.

“CoxHealth is a long-time community partner to the Foundation! Through their support our Back to School grant program, they have supported countless students, providing opportunities in science and health."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: SPS Teacher of the Year finalists from Central, Gray, Pipkin, Sequiota