Aubrey Hardy, a Missouri State University graduating senior, has been recognized among the 2025 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow by the Missouri Milken Educators in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Missouri Milken Educators created this program in 2022 and are celebrating 13 student teachers across the state with the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow awards this year.

All Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow inductees will receive the benefits of one-on-one mentorship from Missouri Milken educators. Missouri Milken educators were all previously recognized by the Milken Family Foundation with the National Milken Educator Award for their impressive achievements.

Honorees will have a year of coaching and mentorship and will be able to access the full network of the Missouri Milken Educators. The network serves as a rich resource for fellow educators dedicated to excellence in education. Hardy and the other honorees were surprised with the news that they were selected for the designation.

According to Hardy, receiving this award allowed her to reflect on all she has put into her degree. It also reminds her not to take any day in her dream job for granted.

“For years, I’ve dreamed of becoming a teacher and making the same impact on students my teachers did for me,” she said. “When I came to Missouri State, I was given incredible opportunities to pursue this dream and grow bigger ones. I took every chance I got to go into the classroom and strengthen my skills.”

More about Hardy and the award

Hardy will graduate from Missouri State this May with a bachelor’s degree in special education. She has been hired by the Nixa School District to teach special education at Nixa High School, where she is currently completing her student teaching. As an aspiring special educator at Missouri State, Hardy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication to student success and a commitment to the field of education that makes her a standout teacher candidate.

Her leadership is evident in her role as president of the Student Council for Exceptional Children, where she reinstated the organization, recruited new members and established a strong university partnership. Her initiative and strategic vision have fostered a community of future educators passionate about serving students with disabilities.

Additionally, as a peer mentor with the Center for Academic Success and Transition, she has provided invaluable support to students, helping them navigate academic challenges with confidence and resilience.

Beyond the university, Hardy’s hands-on experiences in multiple practicum placements showcase her readiness to be an innovative special educator. Her involvement in professional organizations, such as the National Education Association Aspiring Educators and Kappa Delta Pi further underscores her commitment to advocacy and lifelong learning.

Furthermore, her leadership as president of Alpha Sigma Alpha, her membership in Order of Omega and her experience as a Bear Breaks trip leader highlight her ability to lead, collaborate and inspire others. These experiences have helped shape her into a well-rounded educator with the skills to foster inclusive and dynamic learning environments.

Those named as 2025 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow were selected for the honor because they stand out as examples of what’s right in the education profession. This year’s honorees graduated with their undergraduate degrees in education and completed student teaching in a Missouri school district during the 2024-25 school year. New student teachers will be named every year to celebrate the future of the education profession.

“I deeply appreciate the Missouri Milken Educators’ commitment to supporting and mentoring exceptional new teachers. Aubrey is truly deserving of this honor, and I’m confident she will make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of her students for years to come.” said Dr. Barri Tinkler, dean of the College of Education at Missouri State.

Kaleigh Pickett, special education faculty member at Missouri State added, “We’re incredibly proud to recognize Aubrey for her outstanding contributions to the special education field.”

“Her leadership, service and unwavering dedication to inclusive education have distinguished her as a future educator who is already making a powerful impact. From revitalizing the Student Council for Exceptional Children to mentoring peers, Aubrey consistently champions student success. We’re honored to support her and excited to see how she continues to lead with heart and purpose in the years ahead.”

Explore the special education program