For more than a decade, Missouri State University alumna Shannon Truitt has been positively impacting the lives of children — both as an elementary teacher and a school librarian. 

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) chose her as one of 34 Regional Teachers of the Year and one of 16 semifinalists for the 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year award. 

“Teaching is hard work, but it’s also the best work,” Truitt said. “When I was nominated for this award, it made me feel appreciated, valued and important for the lives of my students.” 

Truitt currently works as a K-5 librarian at Spokane Elementary School in Highlandville. 

The superintendent of Spokane Public Schools and the principal of Spokane Elementary nominated Truitt for the Regional Teacher of the Year award. 

Balancing family and education 

Before beginning her teaching journey, Truitt was a student at Missouri State. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 2008, then began her career at Forsyth Elementary School teaching kindergarten. 

In 2013, Truitt began the master’s program in literacy at Missouri State, while married with kids. At the same time, her husband began a master’s program too.  

It was no easy feat as graduate students with two young children. 

“Most nights we would say, ‘Who gets to do homework and who’s taking the kids?'” Truitt said.

But they made it through.  

Becoming a librarian 

In 2020, Truitt became the librarian at Spokane Elementary. Her motivation for becoming a librarian was simple: she wanted kids to experience the joys of reading. 

“I don’t know if it’s due to COVID-19 or due to generational changes, but students nowadays view reading in a negative way,” Truitt said. “It’s always tied to homework or worksheets. I want them to enjoy just listening to a story or doing an activity that’s not stressful.” 

For Truitt, her teaching philosophy is to be willing to try new things. 

“Philosophy-wise, I go by fictional teachers like Miss Frizzle: ‘Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.’”  

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