Story by Sarah Salmons
Photos by Morgan Solomon

For Taylor DeMint ‘26, becoming a teacher is more than a career goal. It is an opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape her. 

A recent graduate from the University of Missouri College of Education & Human Development, DeMint has been named a recipient of the Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award, a statewide recognition honoring outstanding pre-service teachers who demonstrate exceptional promise, leadership and commitment to the teaching profession.  

Presented through a partnership between the Missouri Milken Educators and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Educator Quality, the award celebrates future educators who are already making a meaningful impact in classrooms across the state. 

DeMint completed her student teaching at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico Public Schools under the mentorship of clinical educator Haley Schafer. A Mexico High School alum, DeMint’s journey has come full circle — returning to the same school community where she once completed her A+ tutoring hours as a high school student. 

Throughout her student teaching experience, DeMint rotated through multiple grade levels across the building, gaining hands-on classroom experience while building strong connections with students and staff.  

Schafer said DeMint’s dedication, professionalism and genuine care for students made her a natural choice for the honor. 

“I am honored to nominate Taylor DeMint for the Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award,” Schafer said. “Taylor is an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking student teacher who consistently demonstrates professionalism, initiative and genuine care for her students.” 

She added that DeMint creates a positive and supportive learning environment through meaningful relationships within the classroom and school community. 

“Taylor goes above and beyond her responsibilities, always seeking ways to grow and improve her instructional practices,” Schafer said. “Her commitment to giving back to the very community that helped shape her is both inspiring and impactful.” 

Schafer has witnessed DeMint’s growth over several years, from a high school cadet teacher to a confident and capable future educator. 

“Her growth over the years reflects her perseverance, passion and deep commitment to the teaching profession,” Schafer said. “Taylor is a natural leader who models kindness, responsibility and enthusiasm in all that she does.” 

DeMint has been hired as a full time first grade teacher at Eugene Field starting this fall. 

As part of the award, DeMint will be paired with a distinguished Milken Educator during her first year in the classroom through a mentorship program designed to support and empower early-career teachers. The mentorship provides new educators with guidance, encouragement and a trusted space to collaborate and grow professionally. 

The Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes promising student teachers enrolled in educator preparation programs across Missouri. DeMint was one of 15 finalists of nominated exceptional student teachers for the recognition, highlighting the next generation of educators who are poised to make lasting impacts in schools and communities throughout the state.