Excelsior Springs, Mo. — In just his second year as an educator, Excelsior Springs Middle School, eighth-grade social studies teacher Andrew “Andy” Morris has been recognized statewide for his outstanding dedication to civic education. The Missouri Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) has named Morris the 2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Morris was honored at the annual MCSS conference (Feb 21) in St. Charles, where educators from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence in social studies instruction. The award recognizes educators who foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and meaningful exploration of history and government among students.
Known for his dynamic teaching style, Morris is celebrated by students and staff alike for transforming the classroom into an engaging environment where students are challenged to think deeply about American democracy, government, and their roles as citizens. His lessons often include simulations, interactive discussions, and creative approaches to help students connect with complex topics like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Manifest Destiny.
“I’m so proud of the work he does with students, but I’m really proud of how he does it,” said ESMS Principal Dr. Brett Coffman during a school celebration. “Our students are fully engaged. They’re doing hard, challenging things—like analyzing primary source documents about Westward Expansion—and they’re loving it. That’s a testament to how Andy connects with them.”
Dr. Coffman praised Morris for his ability to spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. He noted that some students have even joked with him about their constitutional rights after learning about due process in class. “It’s great to see them so confident in what they’re learning,” he said with a smile.
Morris’s impact goes beyond the history classroom. He also leads the school’s student broadcasting program, where students research, write, and produce daily news segments for their peers. The experience not only builds public speaking and media literacy skills but also gives students a voice in sharing current events and school news.
Students speak highly of Morris’s classroom, describing it as both fun and respectful. Jacob Andresen said, “He listens to us, so we listen to him. He’s fair and kind—even when people make mistakes, he treats us with respect.”
Jacob also highlighted the creative ways Morris makes learning enjoyable, including Jeopardy-style review games and hallway scavenger hunts. “We’re learning about the 1800s right now—Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion—and he keeps it really interesting,” he said.
Harlee Easton echoed the sentiment. “He takes time out of his day to make sure we understand what we’re learning, breaking things down and helping us with deeper concepts,” she said. “If someone’s having a bad day, he’ll talk to them and make sure they know they’re safe here. He’s helped me a lot since I moved here, not even a year ago.”
Mr. Morris’s recognition is not only a personal achievement but should be a point of pride for the entire Excelsior Springs community. Having dedicated, homegrown educators like him who pour their passion, talent, and heart into our schools reminds us how fortunate we are to have teachers who truly understand and invest in our students. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping the kind of thoughtful, informed citizens who will one day lead this very community.
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