DESE Honors Pioneers in Education at 65th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators

Five individuals were honored as Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Pioneers in Education this afternoon during the 65th annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators in Osage Beach.

More than 500 school leaders attended the commemorative luncheon, which recognized the meaningful impact the honorees have had on public education in Missouri.

"These individuals have dedicated their careers to ensuring Missouri students receive the highest quality education possible," Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Stacey Pries said. "DESE is honored to recognize their commitment and service to public education."

The following individuals were honored as this year's Pioneers in Education:

• Dennis Cooper of Weaubleau devoted more than 50 years to Missouri education as teacher, counselor, coach, principal, superintendent, DESE leader, and professor. Raised on a dairy farm, he earned degrees from Southwest Baptist College, Missouri State University, and the University of Kansas. An MRTA leader and honoree (Paul Harris Fellow, Educational Trailblazer), he now lives in Springfield. His message: choose what's right for students.
• Richard "Rich" Eichorst of Lemay served 31 years at Hancock Place School District as teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and assistant superintendent. He helped pass the bond that built Hancock Place's 1985 facility and founded Lemay Day Care, the district's preschool model. As Emeritus Chair of the Lemay Community Historical Society, he was awarded Citizen of the Year and Hancock Place/SEMO Hall of Famer. He hopes to be remembered for student first service.
• Denise Fredrick of Springfield spent nearly 40 years in public education as teacher, district leader, university instructor, and school board member. She championed curiosity and innovative learning, believing public education opens doors for all. Honors include MSU Outstanding Alumni, National Milken Educator, and SPS Alumni Hall of Fame. Retired in 2023, she remains active through scholarships, volunteerism, and board service.
• Janie Gray of Green City has served children and families for more than 50 years as Rich Hill teacher; Head Start director across nine counties; 27-year health/PE teacher; and 20 years with MO SPIN Blind program, while supporting Parents as Teachers and school athletics. She also helped establish scholarships and currently leads community book box projects. Honors include National Parent Educator of the Year and MRTA (Missouri Retired Teacher Association) Distinguished Regional Retiree.
• Tammy Ridgeway of Lawson has 37 years in education across five districts in two states beginning with Parents as Teachers, then teaching middle school social studies, and coaching volleyball and cheer. She later served as principal, assistant superintendent, and professor. A Prospector Award honoree and state/national presenter, she now mentors teachers and leaders with St. Louis Regional Professional Development Center Plus. Her refrain to students: use knowledge with kindness.

Congratulations to all five recipients for receiving the Pioneer in Education award!

About Pioneers in Education

Missouri state education officials have presented the Pioneer in Education award for more than 50 years, honoring teachers, school administrators, citizens and lawmakers for their distinguished careers and contributions to public education in Missouri. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and commitment have helped shape and strengthen the state's public school system. Recipients are selected for their lasting influence on education policy, practice and student success, and their work continues to inspire educators across Missouri.