NW Missouri Times

A kindergarten teacher from Northwest Missouri State University has been recognized for her contributions to early childhood education. Erica Buck received the 2025 Early Childhood Professional K-3 Teacher Award from the Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children. The award was presented at the annual Conference on the Young Years, held at Tan-Tar-A Conference Center in Osage Beach, Missouri, on March 7.

Buck has been part of Northwest's faculty since 2016 and is an alumna of the university. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education and a master's degree in teaching early childhood.

Dr. Tim Wall, dean of Northwest's college, commented on Buck's achievement: "This tremendous accomplishment is recognition of excellence and impact in the classroom. It is so well-deserved and shines a bright light on the Richard Leet Center for Children and Families and the Horace Mann Laboratory School at Northwest. Teachers like Mrs. Buck dedicate their lives and their careers to excellence."

In addition to receiving her award, Buck participated as a presenter alongside other educators from Horace Mann and the Leet Center at the conference.

The Conference on the Young Years is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It aims to provide educators working with young children opportunities for networking and professional growth.