The district hosted the annual Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon on May 16, 2024 . This event honored achievements in various categories, including years of service, retirements, special proclamations, New Professional of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and District Educator of the Year. Over the coming days, we will highlight each of our deserving recipients.

First, we are thrilled to announce our 2024 Educator of the Year: Mrs. Korrie Vance, a dedicated West Plains Middle School teacher.
Her colleagues nominated Mrs. Vance through the Teacher Proud Tuesday recognitions.

Here are just a few of the heartfelt comments from her nominators:

~ "She gives her heart and soul to her students. She plans lessons that go beyond the curriculum and has a genuine love for her students. Her passion for this field inspires me to be better."

~ "She is the best educator I have ever been around. She not only has great relationships with her students, but she also has an overflow of passion for the content that she teaches them. She spends countless hours meeting her students' needs."

~ "She makes all educators around her want to do and be better. She holds students to high expectations, and every student leaves her class a better writer."

~ "She goes above and beyond for her students. She is an incredible educator who creates and teaches with passion and a professional curriculum. She also builds relationships with students that will last a lifetime. She arrives early, stays after school with the Z Writer's Club, and works with students over the summer to make our building a better place. Korrie is the best teacher I have ever encountered in all my years of education."

Congratulations, Mrs. Vance! We are #ZizzerProud.