Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District is proud to announce that Ms. Ashley Gettinger, kindergarten teacher at Bloomsdale Elementary, has been selected as the recipient of the Mentor Legacy Award from the Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s Annual Gala. This award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact through mentorship, guidance, and a commitment to helping others grow. Our district is proud to see Ms. Gettinger recognized for the difference she makes in the lives of her students each day.
Ms. Gettinger has built a classroom environment where students feel seen, supported, and valued. Inspired by her own early experiences with a teacher who became both mentor and role model, she has carried that influence forward—creating a culture rooted in encouragement, patience, and connection. She takes pride in being her students’ biggest cheerleader, ensuring they leave her classroom with confidence and a strong foundation for learning.
In her classroom, Ms. Gettinger fosters kindness, belonging, and empathy through intentional practices like her Bucket Filling Program, where students begin each day by recognizing acts of compassion. Her instruction blends academic rigor with engaging, hands-on learning experiences, such as the Kindergarten Gratitude Parade, a lesson that integrates coding, literacy, and social-emotional learning.
Ms. Gettinger’s impact has also been recognized at the state level, as she was recently named a 2025–2026 Regional Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Beyond the classroom, she continues to lead and grow professionally, holding three degrees from Southeast Missouri State University, completing LETRS training, and serving in leadership roles within Delta Kappa Gamma and the Ste. Genevieve National Education Association.
Ms. Gettinger exemplifies the values of Bloomsdale Elementary and Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District through her dedication to students and her commitment to building meaningful connections that last well beyond the classroom. Her recognition as the recipient of the Mentor Legacy Award reflects the lasting impact she has on her students and school community.