Mike McDonald: the first active classroom teacher named to Missouri’s State Board of Education

# What happened

On Aug. 18, 2026, Mike McDonald attended his first meeting as a member of the Missouri State Board of Education. He is the first active classroom teacher to occupy a nonvoting seat on the board, a role the Missouri General Assembly created in 2018. Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed McDonald this summer.

# Who Mike McDonald is

McDonald teaches math at Park Hill High School in the Kansas City area. His classroom responsibilities focus on sophomore- and junior-level courses such as algebra II and trigonometry. He has also taught in AVID, a college-prep program that teaches study skills.

# Why the seat matters

Education has authority over major statewide functions: appointing the education commissioner, setting educational standards, accrediting school districts, and defining professional requirements for educators. Until now, board membership consisted of lay members who are not active classroom teachers. The nonvoting teacher seat is intended to add a current classroom perspective to board discussions and decisions.

# How McDonald was selected

A lobbyist with ties to Kehoe's administration notified contacts that the governor wanted to fill the position. Two contacts recommended McDonald. He applied in spring 2025, submitting a resume, letters of recommendation, a photo and his views on education. The process stalled, then resumed in spring 2026 when he updated his paperwork. He interviewed with the governor's chief of staff over the summer and was later informed of his selection.

# What McDonald wants to bring to the board

McDonald said he plans to represent both his own classroom experience and the needs of educators and students across Missouri. He aims to speak to the practical impact of board policies on daily instruction and on teacher working conditions.

In describing why he stayed in teaching, McDonald cited confidence in his subject matter and enjoyment of teaching math and helping students improve analytical skills. He also pointed to rewarding moments such as when struggling students make progress or former students choose to become teachers themselves.

# Immediate context and tasks ahead

The appointment comes at a time when the State Board continues to refine statewide policy tools and accountability systems. With the board responsible for accreditation and standards, the addition of an active teacher's viewpoint could influence how proposed frameworks are discussed and implemented.

# Quick facts

• Seat created by the Missouri General Assembly in 2018.
• McDonald's first board meeting: Aug. 18, 2026.
• Teaching focus: algebra II, trigonometry, AVID.