RPDC announces 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year

RPDC announces 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year

The Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) at Northwest Missouri State University has announced two area teachers as its Regional Teachers of the Year.

This year's honorees are Melanie Vulgamott, a sixth-grade English language arts teacher in the Mid-Buchanan County R-V School District, and Victoria Turner, a seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics teacher in the St. Joseph School District.

Turner has been employed with the St. Joseph School District for 11 years and is known for creating engaging, hands-on classrooms where students collaborate, explore mathematical concepts through strategies like Concept Attainment and vertical whiteboard work to develop critical thinking and self-confidence. Turner was the driving force behind 100 percent of her Algebra I students scoring proficient or advanced on the end-of-course assessment across all middle school sites, and she continues to use data-driven instruction and spiral review to support mastery at all levels.

Beyond academics, she builds school culture as a Student Council sponsor, leading initiatives that promote leadership, kindness, and community while celebrating student and staff achievements. Her ability to combine rigorous instruction with positive student engagement showcases the difference she makes in the lives of her students.

Vulgamott has 14 years of teaching experience across three different grade levels. Beginning her career in St. Joseph, she joined Mid-Buchanan at the start of the 2021-22 school year. She has earned a reputation for helping sixth graders enjoy reading through the use of engaging activities and discussions. She also prioritizes student choice, providing students with opportunities to showcase their skills as they develop their writing. Her classroom is built around collaboration, curiosity and discussion, creating an environment where students are confident in taking risks as readers and writers.

She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Northwest and is certified in English as a Second Language for grades six through nine. By collaborating with colleagues, she strengthens literacy instruction across grade levels, researching new strategies to engage students in reading and writing.

Vulgamott and Turner, along with other regional nominees, will be recognized during a regional celebration hosted this fall by the RPDC. They are among 35 exceptional educators selected from across Missouri to represent their regions in the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year Program, which annually celebrates educators who exemplify instructional excellence and an unwavering commitment to student success.

"Our Regional Teachers of the Year represent the dedication we see in classrooms statewide," said Dr. Stacey Preis, interim commissioner of education with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. "These educators go above and beyond to ensure students feel supported, challenged and empowered to succeed. We are honored to recognize their outstanding work and grateful for the lasting impact they make on our schools and communities."

A selection committee, comprising teachers, business leaders and education organization leaders, will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year after interviews with each finalist this fall. The winner, who serves as the state's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition, will be honored with other finalists in October in Jefferson City.

The Teacher of the Year selection process began with more than 600 nominations representing 321 school districts throughout Missouri.

The Northwest Regional Professional Development Center supports and provides professional development activities for K-12 educators in 59 school districts in the 15-county Northwest region.