Ray-Pec is proud to announce that Special Education teacher Katie Huff has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year Award by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Only two other Ray-Pec staff members in district history have achieved Teacher of the Year Semifinalist status: Rebecca Gooding (2010) and Gina Johnson (2011).
DESE’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators who make meaningful contributions to their students, schools and communities. As a semifinalist, Huff will advance to the next stage of the selection process, where a committee of education professionals will review additional materials to determine the finalists.
DESE is expected to announce the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year finalists at the end of August.
Congratulations to Katie on this well-deserved recognition of her dedication to her students and commitment to making a difference in the Ray-Pec community!