L to R: 1. Laura Montgomery—LESA Director of Educational Resources; 2. Kayla Ridgeway—Second Grade, Zion Lutheran School–Bethalto; 3. Sarah Koch—Principal, Zion Lutheran School–Bethalto.
ST. LOUIS, MO — The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to announce that Kayla Ridgeway, a second-grade teacher at Zion Lutheran School Bethalto, has been named the recipient of LESA’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award.
Each year, LESA honors one exceptional Lutheran school teacher in the St. Louis metro area who demonstrates excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to faith-based education. Ridgeway was nominated by her principal, Sarah Koch, who praised her as “an extraordinary second grade teacher whose passion, creativity, and dedication make a profound impact on her students and her school community.”
Ridgeway has taught second grade at Zion Lutheran for five years, bringing learning to life through imaginative lessons, hands-on activities, and innovative strategies that engage every child. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, inspiring both her students and fellow educators.
On September 24, Ridgeway received the award during her school’s chapel service. In addition to LESA’s Teacher of the Year honor, she also received the 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Ridgeway will be formally recognized at LESA’s annual Dinner-Auction on March 6, 2026.
More than 9,700 children attend LESA-member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 38 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org.
