Oakville High teacher is a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year
Posted on 07/10/2023
Rodney Gerdes, a social studies teacher at Oakville High School, has been named one of 10 honorees for Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year for the St. Louis region. This distinction means that Gerdes is eligible to submit an application for Missouri State Teacher of the Year.
“I come to work each day looking to do the best I can for my students and for the teachers in the social studies department,” said Gerdes. “Being recognized as a regional teacher of the year is humbling because there are so many great teachers deserving of the honor.”
Gerdes, who is a graduate of Oakville High School, was originally hired in the district as a substitute teacher in 1996 before accepting a full-time teaching position at OHS He also serves as social studies department chair and a golf coach, is on the school’s leadership team and plans professional development for his colleagues. Over the years, he has helped to provide new opportunities for students by spearheading efforts to bring more Advanced Placement and elective courses to OHS.
Image: Gerdes listens as students explain their plans for a project.
“Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year is a great way to recognize an educator who works hard to provide his students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience as Mr. Gerdes does,” said Dr. Jeff Haug, Mehlville School District superintendent. “This honor for Mr. Gerdes is also representative of the wonderful staff and culture at Oakville High School.”
Gerdes will be recognized at a ceremony next month. He was named both the Oakville High School Teacher of the Year and Mehlville School District Teacher of the Year this spring.
Related stories:
- Oakville Elementary teacher named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year
- Forder Elementary School teacher named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year
- Bernard Middle School teacher named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year