The Hillsboro R-3 School District is proud to announce that Mrs. Becky Solomon, a dedicated and compassionate teacher at Hillsboro Junior High School, has been chosen as a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. This prestigious honor, part of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s statewide recognition program, qualifies Mrs. Solomon for consideration as Missouri State Teacher of the Year. This distinction honors not only her outstanding classroom practices but also the strong relationships she has built with students and colleagues over her teaching career.
A Journey Guided by Purpose and Passion
Becky Solomon originally didn’t plan to become a teacher. In fact, she first earned a degree in Marketing. However, after helping her mother—a longtime 5th-grade teacher at Hillsboro Intermediate—in the classroom, she discovered her true calling.
“Teaching wasn’t my first degree, but it was my true direction. When I started volunteering and substituting, I realized how much I enjoyed being around kids. My mom always told me I had the heart and patience for teaching. School wasn’t always easy for me growing up, and that helps me relate to students who face similar challenges. I want to be the teacher who shows them they can succeed—just like my mom and others did for me.”
Legacy of Love and Learning
One of the biggest inspirations in Becky’s life is her late mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer six years ago. Her example still influences every lesson Becky teaches.
“My mom had this incredible way of reaching students who felt like they had no one. I try to carry that same spirit into my classroom—meeting students where they are, showing empathy, and making sure they know they matter. Her legacy lives on in the way I treat my students every single day.”
Another major influence was her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Janis Jehle, who helped a young, nervous Becky adjust to life in Hillsboro after moving from a small private school in St. Louis.
“She saw I was struggling, and she made me feel seen. She gave me classroom jobs, helped me connect with a counselor, and just made me feel like I belonged. That experience shaped how I view relationships with students—especially those facing transitions or emotional challenges.”
Mrs. Solomon teaches Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses including Automation & Robotics, Design & Modeling, and Medical Detectives. She’s recognized not just for her engaging lessons but also for her approachable demeanor and steady leadership. Whether she’s advising the STEM Club, serving on the Building Leadership Team, mentoring new teachers, or sponsoring the Quiz Bowl team, her influence extends well beyond the classroom.
“Middle schoolers are often misunderstood, but they’re amazing. They’re figuring out who they are and where they fit. I work hard to make my classroom a safe and welcoming place. I want them to know they’re respected, valued, and heard.”
Her ability to connect with students has fostered trust. Students often come back just to talk, seek advice, or ask to retake her class—not because it’s easy, but because they know they’ll be challenged, supported, and cared for.
From Hillsboro to Statewide Recognition
Mrs. Solomon has already received numerous accolades, including:
Hillsboro Junior High Teacher of the Year (2024–2025)
Hillsboro R-3 District Teacher of the Year (2024–2025)
Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year (2025)
As a regional awardee, she will now complete the application for Missouri State Teacher of the Year, joining a distinguished group of educators whose work shapes the future of public education in Missouri.
“Becky is the kind of educator every student deserves,” said Dr. Jon Isaacson, Superintendent of Schools. “She leads with compassion, teaches with purpose, and makes a lasting difference. We are proud to have her represent Hillsboro R-3 at the state level.”
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Solomon on this well-deserved honor. Her story reminds us that great teaching is rooted in relationships and that the most meaningful lessons often go beyond the textbook