Schools

Epstein Academy Third-Grade Teacher, Educator of the Week

Rachel Staum honored by Peabody Energy with teaching award.

With raising six young children, third-grade teacher Rachel Staum could always use a little extra cash.

This 32-year-old third-grade teacher at H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy in Olivette, and a resident of Chesterfield is this week’s winner of the Peabody Logos Leader in Education award. For her efforts to guide young children through the interactive world of learning, she receives a $1,000 check and a flip camera and other items from Peabody Energy, the largest producer of coal on six continents.

Staum is one of 31 winners to be recognized in the St. Louis metro this year. The award goes to teachers, administrators, nurses and other professionals attached to education.

Peabody is giving awards in other states where it does business such as Wyoming and Colorado and will convene a banquet in August at the Hilton at the Ballpark to crown a national Educator of the Year who will receive a $5,000 check.

“I’m very shocked and thrilled to win this award for both myself and our school. I think I’ve already spent this money many times over for the school,” she said.

Staum was recognized for her devotion to her students, guiding them to succeed by promoting self-learning in her classroom. No less than 13 parents wrote letters of nomination on her behalf.

The entire student body joined in the surprise presentation, along with all of her six children and her husband.

Peabody Energy has been in partnership with Logos School in Olivette to promote teachers and educators as positive role models in the community and to honor their excellence in their chosen field.

Nominations made be made by visiting the Peabody Energy website. More information can be found on their Facebook page.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Ladue-Frontenac