Buerkle's Dan Regan wins Excellence in Teaching Award

Buerkle's Dan Regan wins Excellence in Teaching Award
Posted on 10/30/2019
Dan Regan AwardBuerkle Middle School teacher Dan Regan has been selected as Mehlville School District's Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for the 2019-2020 school year.

"It's really cool to receive it from the district I've been in my entire life," Regan said. "I was born here. That's touching in a way. I'm proud of course. I hope my family is and my students are."

Emerson recognizes educators from across the St. Louis-area each year. Each school in the district nominates one teacher for the award, then a representative from the district is selected.

"Dan has made huge accomplishments in the area of teaching, especially at our middle school level with the new academy concept," Assistant Superintendent, Supervision of Schools Dr. Jeff Bresler said. "Dan is currently teaching in that model that emphasizes individualized learning for all students. His passion for education shows in what he does in his classroom."

Regan, a Mehlville High School graduate, has spent his entire career teaching at Buerkle Middle since graduating from college.

"He works in the classroom to build relationships with students, use innovative practices and be someone who goes out on a limb and try new things," Principal Jim Kern said.

Regan's students say those innovative practices are what make him such a good teacher.

"Mr. Regan makes learning fun," Buerkle sixth-grader Morgan Williams said. "He makes it creative so we can build something to do what we're learning instead of just writing an essay about it."

"We do a lot of small group work, and I really like that," Buerkle sixth-grader Elise Barbier said. "Another thing I like about his class is that we get to learn at our own pace." 

Regan says he's honored to receive the award but will continue to strive to improve in the classroom.

"I'm validated in a sense, but by no means am I done learning to grow," Regan said. "I feel like if they think I'm a good teacher now, what can I become?"

Receiving the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award qualifies Regan to apply for additional grants. 

The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].