JEFFERSON CITY – Two teachers from the River Region have been announced by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as being among the 34 Regional Teachers of the Year who have been selected to represent their regions in the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year Program.
They are:
Ashley Gettinger is a dedicated and passionate kindergarten teacher at Bloomsdale Elementary in the Ste. Genevieve R-II School District, marking her 8th year of inspiring young minds. Through her engaging and compassionate approach, Gettinger fosters a positive, nurturing learning environment that supports the academic and social-emotional growth of her students.
Gettinger holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Elementary Administration, and a Specialist in Educational Administration with a focus on Superintendency, all from Southeast Missouri State University. In July 2024, she earned her Elementary Math Specialist Certification, and in May 2024, she completed LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, enhancing her literacy and language skills and deepening her ability to support early learners. In addition to her role in the classroom,
Gettinger is a strong advocate for educators. She serves as President of the Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international honor society for women educators, and as Treasurer of the Ste. Genevieve National Education Association (NEA), part of the Missouri NEA. These leadership roles reflect her commitment to advancing educational standards and supporting professional development within her community. Looking ahead, Gettinger plans to pursue a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from Missouri Baptist University, a next step in her lifelong journey to elevate the field of education. With her extensive experience, leadership, and dedication, Gettinger continues to make a profound impact on her students and the broader educational community.
Julie Hecht is a reading interventionist at Altenburg Public School in Altenburg, Missouri. She has been in the teaching profession for 28 years, 21 of those years have been at Altenburg Public. She has taught a variety of grades while at Altenburg, the majority of which have been split between 3rd grade communication arts and math, and the district’s Title 1 reading program.
Hecht holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO; 1992), Teacher certification from Central Methodist University 2+2 Program at Mineral Area College (Park Hills, MO; 1997) and a Master of Arts in Education with a Reading Emphasis from Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO; 2006). Hecht went on to receive her Dyslexia Level 1 Tutoring Certification at the Dyslexia Training Institute, receiving college credit through the University of San Diego (San Diego, CA; 2017).
Hecht’s style of teaching creates a loving atmosphere where students feel welcomed, understood, and respected. She has served in a variety of roles within the district, stepping up and being flexible when needed to meet the needs of her students. She has also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, promoting community literacy through various programs.
As an example, Hecht is a proud sponsor of her school’s family reading nights, offered several times each school year, as well as hosting numerous book fairs open to the public.
The Teacher of the Year program spotlights the positive impact excellent teachers have on their students.
The Teacher of the Year selection process began with the nomination of nearly 500 teachers who represented 284 school districts statewide. Next, DESE will announce the semi-finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award in August.
To learn more about the 2026 Regional Teachers of the Year, please visit DESE’s Regional Teacher of the Year webpage.
The Regional Teachers of the Year includes educators from multiple grade levels and subject areas:
- Alisha Rinne, Warrensburg R-VI, Prekindergarten
- Amanda Breckenridge, Rich Hill R-IV, Grades 6-9 Mathematics
- Ashley M Gettinger, Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II, Kindergarten
- Aubrey Shortino, Lee’s Summit R-VII, Kindergarten
- Becky Solomon, Hillsboro R-III, Grades 7-8 STEM
- Christa Price, Stockton R-I, K-12 Gifted
- Danielle O’Neil, Springfield R-XII, K-5 Physical Education
- Paul Stephen Wright, St. Charles R-VI, High School English Language Arts
- Erin Dalager, Kirbyville R-VI, Grade 3
- Heather Millard, Lincoln County R-III, Grade 9 American History
- Jennifer Shook, Verona R-VII, Pre-K-6 Special Education
- Joanna Clark, Raymore- Peculiar R-II, Grade 7 Science
- Julie Hecht, Altenburg 48, Reading Intervention
- Keaton Denney, Lone Jack C-6, Grades 6-12 Choir
- Kerry S. Mattingly, Wheaton R-III, Kindergarten
- Kimberly Sixta, Hickman Mills C-1, Grades 10-12 Social Studies
- Kristen Price, Northwest R-I, Prekindergarten
- Krystal Deterding, Fort Zumwalt School District, Grade 7 Special Education
- Lori Boatman, Wentzville R-IV, Grade 6 Social Studies
- Mary Sanders, St. Joseph, Grade 4
- Matthew Kennedy, Kirksville R-III, High School Social Studies
- Megan Peifer, Gateway Science Academy, Grade 5 English Language Arts
- Melissa Maness, Special School District St. Louis Co., Grades 11-12 Culinary Arts
- Nacole Benscoter, Independence 30, K-5 Special Education
- Rachel Stoll, Jefferson C-123, Pre-K
- Rebekah Hammett, Southern Boone Co. R-1, Grades 7-12 Agriculture
- Robert Wofford, Salem R-80, Grades 10-12 English Language Arts
- Sara Buckley, Potosi R-III, Grade 6 English Language Arts
- Sarah DeWitte, West Platte Co. R-II, Grade 10-12 Science
- Sarah Kirksey, Ladue, High School Journalism
- Seth Williams, Camdenton R-III, Grades 7-8 Special Education
- Stephanie Gladbach, Salisbury R-IV, High School Business
- Tamara Simmons, Bayless, Grades 6-12 Choir
- Timothy G. Ryan, Ferguson Florissant R-II, High School English Language Arts