Branson’s Nicole Crocker Advances as Finalist for Missouri 2027 Teacher of the Year

A teacher with the Branson School District remains in the running for a statewide honor.

The full release from the Branson School District is below:

Branson High School agricultural education teacher Nicole Crocker has been named one of seven finalists for the Missouri 2027 Teacher of the Year award by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

Crocker, who has been with Branson Public Schools since 2014, was previously selected as one of 16 semifinalists for the statewide honor. She is the only finalist representing agricultural education and one of seven educators from across Missouri selected to continue in the Teacher of the Year process.

DESE selected the finalists following a review process conducted by a committee of education professionals. According to DESE, the finalists were selected for their commitment to students, innovative classroom practices, and dedicated service to their school communities. DESE specifically recognized Crocker for her work in real-world agricultural learning, strong mentorship and hands-on career preparation for her students.

“Being named a Missouri Teacher of the Year finalist is an incredible honor, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey,” said Crocker. “This experience has reminded me just how fortunate I am to be part of a profession that makes such a lasting impact on students and communities. I’m proud to represent Branson Public Schools and agricultural education, and I’m especially excited to help highlight the incredible work happening every day in Career and Technical Education classrooms across Missouri. To be recognized alongside so many outstanding educators is humbling, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the teachers, students and communities who make this profession so meaningful.”

Superintendent of Branson Public Schools, Dr. Nate Moore, shared, “Mrs. Crocker is an exceptional educator who brings passion, purpose and a genuine commitment to her students in everything she does. It is an honor to see her represent Branson Public Schools on the state stage, and this recognition is a wonderful reflection of the impact she makes on our students, our school and our community.”

As a finalist, Crocker will participate in an in-person interview with the state selection committee on September 9. The committee is composed of former Missouri Teachers of the Year and representatives from educational organizations across the state. DESE will announce the Missouri Teacher of the Year later this fall.