May 7, 2025

2025 Teachers of the Year named

Regina Blalock, Early Childhood TOY

CAREER

• Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center – Special education teacher, 2023-present

• Middle School – High intensive needs instructor, 2022-23

• Early Childhood – Paraprofessional, 2018-22

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Education, PreK-3 – Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2022

Amy Morse, Kindergarten Center TOY

CAREER

• Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center – Kindergarten teacher, 2022-present

• Twin Rivers School District – First grade teacher, 2007-22

EDUCATION

• Master of Science in Education with Literacy Emphasis – Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2013; Bachelor of Science in Education, 2007

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Missouri State University, 1988

Morgan Jay, Eugene Field/Elementary Grade-Span/District Teacher of the Year

CAREER

• Eugene Field Elementary School – First grade teacher, 2017-present

• Sears Youth Center – Group leader/classroom supervisor, 1997-2017

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education – Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2017

• United States Navy – Sailor, 1981-88

Taylor Lowe, Lake Road TOY

CAREER

• Lake Road Elementary School – Second grade teacher, 2024-present

• Eugene Field Elementary School – Second grade teacher, 2023-24

• Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center – Kindergarten teacher, 2018-23

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Education – Central Methodist University, 2021

Sheila Henderson, Oak Grove TOY

CAREER

• Oak Grove Elementary School – First grade teacher, 2013-present

• Mark Twain Kindergarten Center – Kindergarten teacher, 2003-12

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Education – Central Methodist University, 2003

Laura Beth Smith, O’Neal TOY; Past O’Neal TOY – 2009

CAREER

• O’Neal Elementary School – Third grade teacher, 2005-present; fourth grade teacher, 2004-05

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Education – Southeast Missouri State University, 2004

Paige Sheehy, Middle School TOY

CAREER

• Poplar Bluff Middle School – English language arts instructor for 5th grade special education, 2016-present; ELA instructor for 4th grade SPED, 2020-22; virtual ELA and math instructor for grades 4-6 SPED, 2020-21

• O’Neal Elementary School – Paraprofessional for Intensive Needs Department, 2013-14

• Poplar Bluff Junior High Pom Squad – Coach, 2017-present

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders – Missouri State University, 2013

Elizabeth Bliss, Junior High/Middle School Grade-Span TOY

CAREER

• Poplar Bluff Junior High School – Math teacher, 2014-present

• O’Neal Elementary School – First grade teacher, 2008-14

• Greenville Elementary School – First grade, kindergarten and math recovery teacher, 2001-08

EDUCATION

• Master of Science in Education – Southwest Baptist University, 2005

Jennie Randolph, High School/Secondary Grade-Span TOY

CAREER

• Poplar Bluff High School – English language arts teacher, 2017-present

• Student Council - Adviser, 2020-25

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts in English – College of the Ozarks, 2017

Zac Moore, Mark Twain TOY

CAREER

• Mark Twain School – At-risk high school teacher, 2024-present

• Clearwater High School – Physical education/health instructor, head boys basketball coach, athletic director/assistant athletic director, 2018-24

• Dexter School District – Physical education instructor for grades K-2, head boys freshman and junior varsity basketball coach/varsity assistant coach, 2015-17

• Doniphan High School – Head girls physical education/health instructor, head girls basketball coach, 2013-15

• Cape Girardeau Schools – Special education teacher assistant, freshman head girls basketball/varsity and junior varsity assistant coach, 2012-13

• Deer Creek Christian Academy – Physical education instructor for grades K-8

• Jackson School District – Freshman head boys basketball, varsity and junior varsity assistant coach, varsity girls assistant coach, 2010-12

• Poplar Bluff High School – OKIS teacher, 2004

EDUCATION

• Master of Arts in Educational Administration – Southeast Missouri State University, 2019; Bachelor of Science in K-12 Physical Education, Minor in Coaching, 2006; Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting Media/Film, Minor in Theatre, 2004

Abby Crites, TCC TOY

CAREER

• Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center – Health occupations instructor, 2021-present

• John J. Pershing VA Medical Center – Registered Nurse for the Community Living Center, safe patient handling and mobility coordination, 2018-21

• Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center – RN for Cardiac Cath Lab, 2017

• Mercy Hospital – RN Cardiovascular ICU, 2016-17

EDUCATION

• Career & Technical Education Program – University of Central Missouri, 2023

• Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Management – Western Governors University, 2021

Above: (Back row, left to right) Abby Crites, Taylor Lowe, Paige Sheehy, Laura Beth Smith, Sheila Henderson, Amy Morse, Regina Blalock and Zac Moore; and (seated, from left) Elizabeth Bliss, Morgan Jay and Jennie Randolph. Click here to offer your congratulations!

Dr. Ivy named regional Principal of the Year

Dr. Valerie Ivy has been named High School Principal of the Year for the region, the first recipient representing Poplar Bluff High School in recent memory, officials of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals confirmed.  

The selection committee seeks an educator who demonstrates creativity and has a positive impact on the school system; ensures the school climate reflects high morale; is willing to take risks to improve student learning; moves actively to implement the building's objectives; works collaboratively; anticipates emerging problems; and engages the community.

“She works tirelessly to support students, teachers and families in our school district,” wrote Ivy’s nominator Dr. Stephanie Kuper, PBHS assistant principal. “…She works collaboratively with other administrators at the High School and across the district to improve the education program offerings through Project Lead the Way and other new initiatives.”

Southeast Region officers surprised Ivy with the award alongside the superintendent cabinet and members of the principal’s family on Tuesday, April 22, during a schoolwide assembly for spring sports in the gymnasium. Ivy will be recognized again in September during the organization's conference in Columbia.

Additionally, she has the opportunity to advance as the state’s Teacher of the Year, which would further be rarefied air for Poplar Bluff since the award program was established during the 1986/87 academic year, according to the MoASSP website. Four years ago, Missouri had a Fulton principal in Beth Houf who continued on to be named national Principal of the Year.

Ivy has served as an administrator at PBHS since 2017/18, spending the last three years in her current role after having worked her way up from assistant principal. After a decade of teaching at the former 5th & 6th Grade Center beginning in 2004, she accepted a position as one of the district’s first instructional technology facilitators with colleague Candace Warren, now the Junior High principal. 

A graduate of the High School she now leads, Ivy has earned her doctorate in education leadership in 2022 from William Woods University in Fulton, where she previously earned a specialist degree in administration, as well as her master’s in teaching and technology.

“She is very deserving and just a great person,” stated Dr. John Boyd, a member of the Board of Directors for the MoASSP Southeast Region. The professional development and advocacy organization is celebrating its centennial this year.

Above: Dr. Valerie Ivy, PBHS principal, is surprised with a regional award by (from left) Dr. Ryan Long, MoASSP Southeast president; Dr. John Boyd, Jr., board member; and John Cundiff, president-elect, on Tuesday, April 22, during a schoolwide assembly.

PBHS IEP facilitator honored regionally by Mizzou

The University of Missouri has named Anita Cates the Pre-Employment Transition Services Teacher of the Year for the Southeast Region due to her advocacy in helping students with disabilities transition to life after graduation.

Cates, who has served as Poplar Bluff High School's individualized education program facilitator for six years, was chosen from over 1,000 eligible special education teachers representing more than 100 secondary schools across the region, according to Paul D’Amico, Mizzou Southeast Region coordinator.

“She is very deserving,” D’Amico said during a surprise presentation on Friday, May 2, featuring her co-workers and family. "In my 10 years in the business, I have never worked with anyone more passionate in helping students achieve and transition.”

Students enrolled in the program receive assistance in establishing independence following high school, whether that means continued education, improving employability through resume building and job interview preparation, or accessing other services through the free statewide assistance network, according to Cates.

She also plays an active role in organizing an annual Job Olympics event, a day filled with challenges and competitions that allows participating students across the region to showcase the job skills they have developed for partnering businesses and organizations. 

This year PBHS had 123 juniors and seniors enrolled in the optional program, reported Cates, who noted she exceeded her goal of 100. In her 29-year tenure in education, Cates has served as a facilitator for the district for the past 12 years, before which she was employed as a special education teacher for Poplar Bluff Schools beginning in 2008.

This is the second year Mizzou has recognized educators of the year from its seven regions across the state. The five principles of the Pre-ETC program are: self-advocacy, work-based learning, post-secondary counseling, workplace readiness and job exploration, all aimed at enhancing successful post-school outcomes, according to its website.

Above: Paul D’Amico, Southeast Region coordinator with the University of Missouri, presents Anita Cates with a surprise award for her advocacy of students with IEPs or 504 plans on Friday, May 2, at PBHS.

Bonus: Retirees honored for their years of dedication to students

A total of 23 educators were recognized on Thursday, May 1, during the annual Retirement Reception at Westwood Center, with one of the teachers honored having dedicated over four decades to public education, while another worked in the same district of Poplar Bluff for nearly as long.

Outgoing faculty and staff members were variously described as a pillar, anchor, trailblazer, “staple in the department” the best dressed – with an “outfit for every dress-up day,” a sweat bee “buzzing from task to task,” the “Batwoman of the office,” and the “glue that has held the district together through many challenges and changes.”

Meanwhile other individuals were characterized as a “tireless advocate for those who need a little extra support;” one who “vocalizes what many are thinking but are too afraid to say; someone who “couldn’t be caught without a smile;” and a person who “does it all for the cause, never for the applause.”

“Your legacy lives on in the classrooms, hallways and the hearts of all those you’ve touched,” stated Jennifer Taylor, R-I assistant superintendent of personnel. Among those legacies left behind are an instructor who helped the district's youngest students speak their first words; someone who has passed down the teaching profession to her daughter, who is now employed by the school system; and the founder of the Giving Closet, fully-stocked for students in need.

Click here to leave the group a parting message!

Above: (Back row, left to right) Andrea Cline, Christina McKinney, Sharon Burkey, Kimberly Glick, Cathy Burnett, Phillip Lewis, Marcia Priest, Terri Foulks and Melinda Matthew; and (seated, from left) Patty Robertson, Nikki Davis, Lisa Tuttle, Lorrie Warren, Shelly Johnson and Nancy Gill. Not pictured are Katherine Gibbs, Michael Melson, Tony Portwood, Rebecca Rice, Anthony Thompson and Donna Tribble. And a heartfelt tribute in memory of the late Kathy Miller. You will be missed.

Teacher Week

Teacher Appreciation Week runs through Friday, May 9. Please take a moment and make a teacher’s day by giving someone who made a difference in yours or your students’ life an affirmation here. 

Summer School

Summer School will take place from Wednesday, May 28-Wednesday, June 25. The deadline to register has been extended to Friday, May 9. Click here to access the form, or contact your school building office. 

Graduation

The commencement ceremony for the PBHS Class of 2025 will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in the Black River Coliseum. Click here for more information.

ECH Screening

The final screening for 2025/26 enrollment at the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center will take place on Tuesday, May 20. To schedule an appointment, call 573-785-6803 this week. Please have child’s social security number handy. To attend, child(ren) must be between 3-5 years old on July 31.

Kinder Registration

For children who are not enrolled at the Early Childhood Center only, you may register your child(ren) at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center for the 2025/26 school year by visiting mules.me/enroll or schedule an appointment with our registrar office by calling 573-850-0850.

On Thursday, April 24, KBSI Fox23 reported about our play therapy grant; and recognized our March Athletes of the Month.

On Friday, April 25, KWOC also reported about the Coover Grant.

The DAR reported about the Chamber honoring our Teachers of the Year; and Spencer Nunn of PBHS signing a National Letter of Intent to run track for Central Missouri University.

On Sunday, April 27, the DAR published a photo display from Prom.

On Monday, April 28, the DAR reported about Lawson Barks of PBHS being our first golfer in a decade to win the Ozark Invitational.

On Tuesday, April 29, KWOC reported about our open enrollment at the Kindergarten Center.

The DAR reported about Dollar General donating $5K to our Kindergarten Center.

On Wednesday, April 30, the DAR recognized our March Athletes of the Month.

KWOC helped promote our Foundation Golf Tournament.

On Thursday, May 1, the DAR reported about our school therapist being certified in play therapy.

On Friday, May 2, the DAR reported about our Teacher of the Year luncheon.

On Monday, May 5, the DAR reported about our Junior High students winning a logo contest hosted by the Butler County Commission.

On Tuesday, May 6, KWOC reported about our Kindergarten enrollment extension.

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