Sandy Pizzo, Liberty’s culinary arts teacher, received the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, joining an elite group of teachers from across the St. Louis region with this honor.
This annual recognition of educators by Emerson, the St. Louis-headquartered global technology and engineering company, is part of the company’s commitment to promoting quality education throughout our community. Lauren Coldiron, a computer science teacher at Heritage Elementary, also won the award.
“It was shocking,” Pizzo said. “I am so honored to be chosen for the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. There are many teachers who are deserving of this.”
Pizzo explains that she didn’t do anything different to deserve this award, besides coming to school everyday with an open mind of her students and showing how to be leaders and good learners.
“I just teach every day with students in mind. Everyone is invited into my classroom. I expect them to learn and be leaders,” Pizzo said.
Pizzo is also the sponsors for Earth Club, FCCLA, and ProStart competitions.
Pizzo has an open mind about everything and students know her as a teacher who cares about anyone and everyone. She always wishes the best for students here at Liberty, and helps them reach their best selves.
“Ms. Pizzo’s enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious, inspiring students to engage with the curriculum,” Principal Edgar Nelson said. “Her innovative teaching methods, such as hands-on projects and real-world applications, have led to tangible student success.”
Pizzo encourages students to achieve their goals.
“I see many levels and ages of students who dream big,” Pizzo said. “I want to help them reach their goals when they are at Liberty.”
For winning this award, she won a glass apple with her name on it. Not only did she earn a prize for this achievement, but she also has won Liberty’s “Teacher of the Year” award in 2016.
“I am the happiest that I have ever been in my teaching career. Liberty and the Wentzville School district are top in the state of Missouri, in my opinion,” Pizzo said.
