There is now a doctor in the house at
John Cary Early Childhood Center. Ann Westbrook, director of early childhood for Mehlville School District, successfully defended her dissertation and received her doctorate in education from Lindenwood University last month.
"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Westbrook for her dedication to our youngest learners," said Jeff Bresler, Assistant Superintendent – Supervision of Schools. "Receiving a doctorate in education is a great achievement that requires commitment and persistence."
Westbrook has served as the district's director of early childhood for more than 6 years. Under her leadership, the district’s early childhood program received first place last year as the FutureBuilders Early Childhood Program of the Year. This state-wide award was presented by the Missouri School Boards’ Association.
Almost 80 percent of Mehlville School District certified teachers have an advanced degree, and more than 3 percent have earned their doctorates.