Bayless High School social studies teacher Emily Klein has advanced to the next round of the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition. On Aug. 17, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced that Klein was one of 16 semifinalists for the statewide award.

“Missouri’s teachers continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication, creativity and compassion in their classrooms,” DESE’s Interim Commissioner of Education Stacey Preis stated in a press release. “The semifinalists recognized embody the best of our profession, and we are grateful for the impact they make on students and communities across the state.”

Klein has taught in the BHS social studies department for 14 years, and she also serves as the department’s curriculum chair. In July, Klein was named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year; there were 35 educators awarded that title across the state.

“I was surprised and really honored,” Klein told The Call in July. “There’s a lot of really great teachers in the state and certainly in the St. Louis region, so to be picked as one of them — I’m really grateful to be honored with that distinction.”

Klein was the fourth consecutive teacher from Bayless to receive the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year award — a factor that she said put extra pressure on her when filling out her application materials. Of those four, she is the second to be named a semifinalist: Elementary Math Specialist Courtney Duffy, who was Bayless’ 2024 District Teacher of the Year, was also a semifinalist.

“Emily Klein embodies what exceptional teaching looks like,” Bayless Superintendent Amy Ruzicka told The Call. “She combines high expectations with an ability to meet students where they are, while constantly seeking new ways to expand their opportunities and help them succeed. We are thrilled to see Emily recognized as a Missouri Teacher of the Year Semifinalist and proud that Bayless has now had four consecutive Regional Teachers of the Year, with two advancing to the state semifinalist level.”

Now, a committee of education professionals will determine the finalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year award by reviewing additional materials. DESE will announce the finalists at the end of August.