Amy Ferguson Selected as one of Emerson’s 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients

Hamel Elementary and Midway Elementary reading specialist Amy Ferguson has been selected as one of Emerson’s 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award recipients. 

She is among more than 100 educators from across the St. Louis metropolitan area who are being recognized this year through the program as examples of truly outstanding educational excellence. 

"I am so honored to be recognized,” said Ferguson. “As I look around the Edwardsville School District, I see amazing educators everywhere. I feel fortunate to have worked in several District #7 buildings over the years and am so thankful for the colleagues I have worked with, learned from, and been inspired by.” 

The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards, now in its 35th year, is one of the St. Louis region’s most recognized teacher recognition programs. Emerson proudly sponsors this program as a way of helping the St. Louis community express its collective admiration and gratitude for their dedication to teaching the area’s students. 

“Amy is an amazing reading teacher,” said Matthew Sidarous, principal of Midway and Hamel schools. “Her lessons are creative, and she works hard each day to meet the needs of her students. Amy cares deeply for her students and often goes above and beyond to give them what they need. She comes to work every day with a smile on her face and a purpose on her heart.” 

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton echoes Sidarous’s sentiments. 

"Amy is extremely passionate about the work she does, and District #7 is fortunate to have her. Her commitment to fostering a love of reading in her students and her dedication to their individual academic growth are just a couple of the qualities that make her an excellent choice for this award.” 

Ferguson is in her 34th year of teaching – all in District #7. She is in ninth year at Hamel and Midway and has worked at five different elementary schools in the district, including Leclaire, Woodland, and Goshen. Ferguson will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.  

“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was little and couldn’t have chosen a better career for myself,” she said. “Every single day/week/year is different and special, but at the heart of it all is getting to spend my days working with kids. 

“As a reading teacher at K-2, it is such a privilege to be a part of my students' literacy journey. Learning to read is tricky and the key to unlocking reading skills varies from child to child. Sometimes it even involves some silliness-but that only makes learning more fun. There is nothing quite like helping a child build reading skills and gain the confidence to 'grow their reading brains.'  I truly believe I have the best job!” 

In recognition of her honor, Ferguson received an engraved crystal apple from Tiffany & Co., along with other additional tokens of appreciation from Emerson. She was also recognized at the November 25 Board of Education meeting.