Lieutenant Colonel Darrell Gray, an Army JROTC instructor at McCluer High School, was named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. He is one of just ten educators in the St. Louis area to receive this honor. Congratulations, Col. Gray!

Gray, a dedicated educator, and retired military veteran, began his teaching career after a 24-year military career. For the past decade, he has dedicated himself to teaching the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (Army JROTC) at McCluer.

A native of Southwest Oklahoma, Gray credits his high school experience with the Army JROTC curriculum and program for shaping his career and life. “I would not be where I am today if I had not had the opportunity to be exposed to the teaching of the JROTC program as a student,” Gray reflected.

Gray's commitment to the JROTC program is evident in his passion for mentoring cadets. “I am always seeking ways to encourage our cadets that with faith and motivation, you can achieve anything,” he added.

As Gray continues to inspire and lead, his journey from a JROTC student to a mentor exemplifies the profound impact of the program on both his life and the lives of his students.

The Teacher of the Year program — by EducationPlus and the St. Louis Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) — recognizes and honors the contributions of the classroom teacher as no one has a greater impact on the education of a child than a teacher who creates a learning environment where children flourish and grow. The mission of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program is to honor, promote, and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession.

Gray will be recognized with other Missouri Regional Teachers of the Year next month. This honor means that Gray is eligible to submit an application for Missouri State Teacher of the Year.  He was previously named McCluer High School and Ferguson-Florissant School District Teacher of the Year this spring.