PRESS RELEASE

ROLLA 31 SCHOOL DISTRICT

APRIL 7, 2026

MRS. DEBRA WILSON NAMED DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Rolla Public Schools is proud to announce the selection of Mrs. Debra Wilson, Mark Twain Elementary 2nd Grade teacher, as the District Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Wilson is in her 29th year at Rolla Public Schools and has 30 years of teaching experience. During that time, she has taught students in Pre-K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Mrs. Wilson is married to her husband, Gary, and they have a son, Garrett, who is a freshman at Missouri State University.

Mrs. Wilson is an exceptional asset to her school, the district, and the community. Mark Twain Elementary Principal, Mr. Joe Cross, noted in his nomination, “Mrs. Wilson is a mentor and serves as a resource to so many at Mark Twain. You’ll routinely see her working with individual students or leading highly engaging lessons in her classroom. Mrs. Wilson is the lifeblood behind several events at Mark Twain and takes on leadership roles in PBIS. She is the shining example of a Rolla Bulldog and supports the school while she works with our community, families, and stakeholders. Mark Twain is fortunate to have an educator of her caliber and character in the building.”

As the Rolla Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Wilson will be eligible to compete at the regional and state levels through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Congratulations, Mrs. Wilson! We are so proud to have you on the Rolla Bulldog team!