Alumna Kristen Merrell was surprised during an assembly on the first day of school at Lee’s Summit Elementary when she was announced as the 2011-12 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Marking the second time in three years that a teacher from Lee’s Summit R-7 School District has won the award, her selection also becomes the second time it has gone to an alumna. Alumna Susanne Mitko of Lee’s Summit’s Campbell Middle School was Missouri Teacher of the Year in 2009. Merrell’s award can be evenly credited to the high standards of the R-7 School District and to her teaching skills. For 12 years, she has been with this school district, which boasts seven state finalists for the award since 2002. Last month, it continued its winning streak by earning the top score … Read entire article »