Celebrating Our 2025-26 Teachers of the Year

At Home Works, we have the privilege of partnering with extraordinary educators who go above and beyond to strengthen relationships between families, schools, and communitites. Each year, we recognized a small group of teachers whose commitment to family engagement exemplifies the heart of our mission.

While we wish we could celebrate every incredible educator in our program, we are proud to recognize the following individuals as our 2025-26 Home Works Teachers of the Year. Through home visits, family events, and ongoing relationship-building, these educators have made a lasting difference in the lives of students and families across Missouri.

Emily McNeal and Brittney James

Pilot Grove C-4 School District

This year, Emily McNeal and Brittney James completed an incredible 95 home visits, including 19 second visits each, building strong relationships and meaningful connections with families throughout their school community.

Beyond their own visits, Emily and Brittney were true champions for family engagement, encouraging fellow staff members and helping lead four successful Home Works events at Pilot Grove during the school year.

Because of their dedication, more Pilot Grove families are experiencing firsthand the value and impact of home visits and strong school-family partnerships.

Thank you, Emily and Brittney, for your leadership, encouragement, and commitment to students and families. We are grateful for all you do.

Karen Mackey-More

Confluence Academy - Old North

A dedicated Home Works champion for the past four years, Karen Mackey-Moore has a gift for building meaningful relationships with students and families. Through home visits, family events, and ongoing collaboration, she helps create strong partnerships that support student success both in and out of the classroom.

Karen's warmth and enthusiasm shine at every Home Works event. Whether she's leading engaging family learning activities, welcoming families with a smile, or lending a helping hand wherever it's needed, she goes above and beyond to make everyone feel valued and connected.

Thank you, Karen, for the care, joy, and dedication you bring to your school community. Your commitment to building strong, supportive relationships makes a lasting difference for students and families every day.

Rachel Walker

Bunceton R-1 School District

This year, Rachel Walker balanced her role as a school counselor, welcomed a new baby in December, cared for her young family, and still showed up for every single Home Works event at Bunceton.

In addition, Rachel completed more than 20 home visits, building meaningful relationships with families and working to ensure every family feels connected and supported.

Rachel's passion for Home Works and commitment to family engagement shine through in everything she does. Thank you, Rachel, for the care, dedication, and encouragement you bring to your school community.

Kimberly Haines

Fairview Primary and Intermediate School

A dedicated Home Works participant for the past three years, Kimberly Haines took her involvement to new heights this year, completing more than 30 home visits as both a lead visitor and co-visitor.

Whether she's building relationships during home visits, facilitating conversations at Family Dinners, or helping elevate family voices within her school, Kimberly is a trusted partner and advocate for students and their caregivers.

Her commitment to listening, learning, and working alongside families helps create a stronger, more family-centered school community for everyone.

Thank you, Kimberly, for your dedication to students, families, and meaningful family engagement. We are grateful for the impact you make.

Carson Dee

David Barton Elementary

Carson Dee has built something truly special in her classroom, meaningful relationships with students and strong partnerships with families. Through consistent communication, genuine care, and a commitment to helping every child succeed, Carson ensures families feel informed, included, and valued.

The connections Carson creates extend far beyond the classroom walls and make a lasting impact on her students, families, and school community.

Thank you, Carson, for all you do. We are proud to celebrate you as a 2025-26 Home Works Teacher of the Year.

Elizabeth Byrne

Confluence Academies - South City

A passionate advocate for family engagement, Elizabeth Byrne is always looking for new ways to help families reinforce learning at home and support student success.

In her very first year as a Home Works Lead and Co-Visitor, Elizabeth quickly emerged as a leader, completing an impressive 31 home visits and leading her colleagues in making the most visits at her school. She also helped facilitate a highly successful Family Learning Workshop and actively engaged with students and families during Family Dinners, continuing to share strategies and insights to support learning beyond the classroom.

Elizabeth's dedication to building strong school-family partnerships has made a lasting impact on her students, families, and colleagues alike.

Congratulations to Elizabeth and to all of our 2025-26 Teachers of the Year. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to students, families, and meaningful family engagement. Your work is helping create stronger connections between home and school, and we are honored to partner with you.