Asjia Troy, a resident of Monroe City, Missouri and upcoming graduate of Hannibal‑LaGrange University, has been recognized as a 2026 Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow by the Missouri Milken Educators, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Missouri Milken Educators created the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow (MTLT) program in 2022 to recognize and support outstanding new educators entering the profession. This year, 15 teachers from across the state were selected to receive the honor.
All Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow inductees receive the benefits of one‑on‑one mentorship from Missouri Milken Educators, each of whom has previously been recognized by the Milken Family Foundation with the National Milken Educator Award for exceptional achievements in education. Honorees participate in a year of coaching and mentorship and gain access to the statewide Missouri Milken Educators network—a valuable resource of accomplished educators committed to excellence in teaching and learning. Ms. Troy and the other honorees were surprised with the announcement of their selection.
Ms. Troy will graduate from Hannibal‑LaGrange University in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has accepted a teaching position with the Palmyra R‑I School District, where she will teach third grade during the 2026–2027 school year. During the Spring 2026 semester, she completed her student teaching experience at Palmyra Elementary School in Malena Eger’s second‑grade classroom.
Mrs. Ashlie Hirtzel, Ms. Troy’s student‑teaching university supervisor during the Spring 2026 semester, praised her dedication and professionalism. “Asjia is hardworking, reflective, and deeply committed to excellence,” said Hirtzel. “She possesses a genuine commitment to young learners, connects with students at their level, and will be an outstanding educator.”
Those selected as 2026 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow were chosen because they exemplify the promise and dedication needed to strengthen the future of the education profession. All honorees completed their undergraduate degrees in education and student teaching placements in Missouri school districts during the 2025–2026 academic year.
“The Missouri Milken Educators are thrilled to welcome quality teachers into the profession we love,” said Mark Lueckenhoff, Missouri Milken Educator. “We expect Asjia Troy to have a positive impact on the lives of students for many years to come.”
New Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow are recognized annually to celebrate and support the next generation of outstanding educators across the state.