Local second grade teacher Christy Kelsch was recently named a Regional Teacher of the Year — one of 35 educators from across Missouri to receive the title. Each year, the award is presented by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to top educators in the state.
Kelsch has been a teacher at Crestwood Elementary for 15 years. Crestwood was her first teaching job, and in the years since she started, she’s taught a range of grade levels. Though she bounces between grade levels within the school, Kelsch says she has always been sure that elementary school is where she belongs.
“In elementary school, their teacher means everything to them,” Kelsch said. “You can be such a big influence on their life. The amount of kids I find snacks for, do their hair, tie their shoes — it’s so much more than just teaching them. They come to us in all different stages and phases of life, and I think the best part of elementary school is how you can affect them outside of their academics.”
To be named one of the Regional Teachers of the Year, an educator must first be named Teacher of the Year at a school and district level. Kelsch says she remembers the shock and disbelief at being named the Teacher of the Year for all of Lindbergh Schools, amplified by the fact that Kelsch is an alumnus of the district.
“Being part of Lindbergh Schools has always been a huge part of my life, so being named District Teacher of the Year was a huge full-circle moment and such an honor,” Kelsch said. “Being named Regional (Teacher of the Year) was never something that I thought could happen. I cried when I got the call. I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ It was such a neat moment.”
She added, “Teachers don’t often hear, ‘You’re doing such a fantastic job.’ To hear those words about yourself — it feels good.”
According to Kelsch, her own kindergarten teacher here at Lindbergh was the reason she decided to teach, and she hasn’t looked back since. When others lightly suggested that she look into other career options — like doctor or lawyer — Kelsch was sure that education was the route she wanted to take.
“We had rough things going on at home, so she was just safe,” Kelsch said about her kindergarten teacher. “She was a light. I didn’t have to worry when I was at school. Home was a little unstable, but school was just what I needed, so in kindergarten I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I never stopped. Once I decided it, there was no turning back.”
Now, she tries to bring that same warmth and stability to her own classroom, making sure her students look forward to coming to school and enjoy being there.
“You want to reach them, you want to know them. Without them loving being here and trusting me, we’re going to have an uphill battle all year long,” Kelsch said.
Kelsch is only a couple of weeks into the 2026-2027 school year, but she says that her class is off to a strong start, and she loves the “fresh opportunity” to get to know new kids and families each year.
“I’m so honored to represent our school, our district, our community,” Kelsch said. “This is a fabulous place to raise kids and raise families. I’m just honored.”