At the Celebrate SPS event Friday, Danielle O’Neil was named 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year for Springfield Public Schools.
The event hosted by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools celebrated educators and support staff in the state’s largest district.
O’Neil, 32, is a physical education teacher at Sherwood Elementary.
The Houston, Missouri native started her career with SPS in 2016 and taught at Pershing Middle School until 2018. She then taught for a year at Delaware Elementary from 2018-2019 before transitioning to her current role at Sherwood.
“I believe that movement is for everyone and PE should be a bridge between school, home and the larger community. I want my students to know that they are seen, valued and supported, and I want their families to feel that same sense of belonging,” she said, in a news release.
“By fostering these connections, I aim to create a culture where all students — regardless of background or ability — see physical activity as an essential and enjoyable part of life.”
She has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Missouri State University and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas.
Four finalists were also celebrated during the event: Amanda Brown, third grade teacher at Sunshine Elementary; Rachelle Peak, communication arts teacher at Launch Virtual Learning; Tanner Schmidt, second grade teacher at Jeffries Elementary; and Heidi Stagner, art teacher at Field Elementary.
O’Neil will compete in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s regional competition. Winners at the regional level will advance to the Missouri State Teacher of the Year competition.