News Release
Scotland County R-1 School District
Memphis, Missouri
July 23, 2025
Leslie Austin Selected as a Northeast Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year Finalist
Scotland County R-I School District is proud to announce that Leslie Austin, a Scotland County High School teacher, has been named one of the 2025-2026 Northeast Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year Finalists. Ms. Austin has been teaching for 24 years, the last 4 in her current position as 7th -9th Grade Special Education Teacher.
"We would like to congratulate Mrs. Leslie Austin for being recognized as a Northeast Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year Finalist. Mrs. Austin is a caring and compassionate individual that cares deeply about her students and their overall success." said Ryan Bergeson, Scotland County R-1 School District Superintendent.
The Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year award is part of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The Missouri Teacher of the Year program recognizes the efforts of effective teachers in providing a quality education to their students. Preparing, developing, and supporting effective educators is one of DESE’s primary goals.