O'FALLON, Mo. — Two Fort Zumwalt School District educators have been named recipients of the 2026 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards, the district announced October 29.

Regan Crowder, a fifth-grade teacher at Mid Rivers Elementary, was recognized for helping students develop independent reading skills and for collaborating with colleagues on literacy instruction. Crowder joined the school in 2021, according to the district.

Brian Hruby, a mathematics teacher at Fort Zumwalt West High School, was honored for combining strong academic expectations with individual support, including professional development aimed at teaching Algebra I to students learning English.

The annual awards recognize outstanding educators throughout the St. Louis region, from elementary school through college. Fort Zumwalt says more than 100 educators will be honored at a November 22 ceremony.