Mid Rivers Newsmagazine names 2024 Teacher of the Year

Courtesy of Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
By Bethany Coad  |  June 13, 2024, Updated Jul 17, 2024

Independence Elementary teacher Sasha Walchli, an educator who has just completed her 20th year teaching, has been announced as Mid Rivers Newsmagazine’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Walchli was surprised with the news on the last day of school, with the students already carted away on buses, during an end-of-year faculty meeting. 

As Walchli was presented with her award by Mid Rivers Newsmagazine staffand Dream Play Recreation Vice President Clayton Albers, she was met with rounds of applause from her fellow colleagues. What’s more, she was surprised to see her family standing nearby, cheering her on.

“I did not have any idea, not even an inkling, that I had been nominated for this award,” Walchli said. “It's a surreal feeling to be recognized in a room full of amazing educators, knowing each and every person in the room deserves to be recognized for their work.” 

Walchli has an impressive background as a teacher in the area. At the Parkway District, she worked as an English for Speakers of Other Languages program specialist at Green Trails Elementary and piloted a newcomer program that introduced education to families and students new to the U.S. After 15 years in Parkway, Walchli moved to Francis Howell to teach second grade at Independence, where’s she’s hit her two-decade milestone as a teacher. 

Walchli was exposed early to education as a career choice, and she followed in her mother’s footsteps. 

“My mom was an educator for over 20 years in Parkway,” Walchli said. “She was my go-to for all things teaching. She gave the best advice, shared funny stories, and was there to listen to the everyday shenanigans that are teaching.

“Sadly, my mom passed away in December. When she passed, my family was surrounded by her former colleagues and friends. Their stories showed just what a mentor and advocate she was during her long and impactful career. I will always look up to her legacy.” 

Walchli has worked closely with the school's administration to raise Independence to a State and National School of Character. It was recognized as a Missouri School of Character in 2023. 

“Sasha is just a dynamite human being,” Principal Emily Pavia said. “She creates a family feel in her classroom with her students and fosters a safe and inclusive environment in order for her students to feel accepted and a sense of belonging.”

The connections with students and families are the reason why Walchli teaches. 

“I enjoy the simple things, like receiving messages from parents that say, ‘My child wanted to share this with you.’ I get to see students tell their stories at our daily class meetings, becoming more confident in themselves as leaders and individuals.” Walchli said. 

Becky First, a parent who nominated Walchli, wrote that Walchli “creates a community among her second-graders which values each student as an important member of class.”

Pavia couldn’t agree more. 

“Sasha goes above and beyond for her students and their families and I feel truly blessed to have her on our team at Independence,” Pavia said. “She builds incredibly positive relationships with students which allow her students to grow in all capacities and leaves a positive impact on everyone who she has contact with because she is just a fabulously kind person with a giant heart.”  

Each year, Mid Rivers Newsmagazine takes nominations from students, friends, family, and co-workers of teachers in St. Charles County who consistently go the extra mile to make education meaningful, effective and enjoyable. Reviewed by a selection committee, the chosen winner receives an iPad, gift basket and surprise celebration courtesy of Mid Rivers Newsmagazine and the program sponsors: Big Blue Swim School, Boardwalk Family Dental, CHAMP Assistance Dogs, Dream Play Recreation and Golden Oak Pancake House.