Kayla Mowen
Central School
1st grade
Kayla is the hardest-working educator I am blessed to know, and I know MANY! Her dedication to her students goes beyond the classroom. She and her husband choose not to buy each other gifts at the holidays, but rather spend the money on students in her school with needs. This is just one of the millions of ways Kayla is selfless. She lives in Edwardsville, Illinois and makes the 45 minute trip to school each day because she believes this school and these students are who she is meant to teach. This year she was thrown a curveball as students were given the option to learn remotely or in person. Kayla offered to be the remote teacher, knowing that she could (and has) created relationships with her students despite not being in person. I know she misses the daily hugs from her kiddos, but nonetheless, students feel connected and KNOW they are loved and that they matter!
Nominated by Lindsay