Since 2021, Missouri State University alumna Danielle O’Neil has led engaging physical education classes at Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Sherwood Elementary.
At the Celebrate SPS event on May 2, she was named the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for SPS.
Growing up, O’Neil played multiple sports. She got her first taste of teaching in high school, when she worked with elementary students through the A+ Scholarship Program in Missouri.
“From a young age, I loved working with kids in active and fun places,” she said. “I want every student to feel safe, seen and valued.”
A calling rooted in connection
A native of Houston, Missouri, she went to community college, then transferred to Missouri State in 2012 to study physical education.
According to O’Neil, Springfield felt like home. It was just the right size for her – not too big, but rich with opportunity.
“MSU gave me the foundation I needed. I was part of a close-knit program and the professors truly cared,” she said. “We were placed in schools early on and that real-world experience built my confidence and shaped my path.”
O’Neil keeps in close touch with her former academic advisor, Kirsten Hatz. Hatz, who is a senior instructor in physical education at the School of Health Sciences, continues to guide and support her.
“She treated us like her own children. Even today, we attend conferences together. I still go to her for advice,” O’Neil said.
Through a practicum, O’Neil was paired with Kevin Baker at Pershing Middle School. He later played a key role in helping her secure teaching positions at Eldon High School and Pershing.
Teaching beyond the textbook
O’Neil earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Missouri State in 2014. After graduation, she stayed at her student teaching site in Strafford, Missouri. She began her education journey by substitute teaching across elementary, middle and high schools.
O’Neil, who also has a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, later accepted a teaching and coaching job in Eldon, Missouri. While hired to teach family and consumer sciences, she stayed close to her passion by coaching basketball.
In 2016, she started her career at SPS, working at Pershing. Then in 2018, she got her first PE teaching job at Watkins Elementary School. She taught there for four years before moving to Sherwood.
“It’s incredible to watch students grow from kindergarten through fifth grade – not just in physical skills, but in confidence, character and personality,” she said. “I love being a steady, positive part of their school journey.”
O’Neil’s classroom is more than movement. It’s a space where every child, regardless of background or ability, has a chance to succeed.
“I design activities that are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive and adaptable,” she said. “My goal is to build relationship and trust first, so students feel safe trying new things, failing and learning together.”
She brings creativity into every lesson, using storybooks, team challenges and hands-on problem-solving.
Teaching with heart and purpose
O’Neil regularly mentors practicum students and hosts student teachers in her PE classes. She enjoys guiding future educators and helping them gain real classroom experience.
“Lead with your heart. Stay rooted in your ‘why’ even if it evolves,” she said. “Teaching is more than delivering lessons. It’s about consistently showing up for your students and creating a space where they feel capable.”
She encourages future teachers to never forget the little things.
“A smile, high five or kind word can change a student’s whole day.”
Recognition that reflects her impact
Being named SPS Teacher of the Year is gratifying for O’Neil, not just as an individual, but as a physical educator.
“Sometimes, PE is misunderstood as just play or extra recess. But what we do matters,” she said. “We teach life skills – teamwork, resilience and confidence. This recognition affirms that our role in shaping each student’s growth and well-being is worth celebrating.”
O’Neil’s dedication to her profession and students has been honored at the state, district and national levels.
In 2022, she was named the Missouri SHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. Three years later, she earned the same honor at the regional level, becoming the 2025 SHAPE America Central District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year.
This award covers Missouri and eight surrounding states, placing her among the best in the region. It also made her one of only five finalists for the 2025 National PE Teacher of the Year.
