SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel student, Johnathan Peak, has been recognized as one of the 2026 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow by the Missouri Milken Educators. This award is given in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Missouri Milken educators created this program in 2022 and are celebrating 15 MTLT teachers this year.
All Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow inductees will receive one-on-one mentorship from Missouri Milken educators, as well as have a year of coaching and mentorship. They will also have access to the full network of Missouri Milken Educators, which serves as a resource for fellow educators dedicated to excellence in Education.
Peak and the other honorees were surprised with the news they were selected. Along with Dr. Denise Fredrick from the Missouri Milken Educators, Johnathan’s university supervisor, Dr. Shelly Worley, as well as Shannon Holgerson and Eddie Noack, also from the Evangel University education department were present to surprise him at his student teaching placement, John Thomas School of Discovery.
““The Missouri Milken Educators are thrilled to welcome quality teachers into the profession we love. We expect Johnathan to have a positive impact on the lives of students for many years to come,” said Dr. Denise Fredrick.
Peak will graduate this spring from Evangel University. Peak has been a work-study student in the education department for several semesters, as well as an active member of the Evangel student body. He’s accepted a middle school position at Inman Intermediate School in Nixa, MO.
“We are excited that Johnathan has been selected for this prestigious award – the first for an Evangel student teacher. His character and leadership abilities represent our department well,” said Eddie Noack, education department chair at EU.
In addition to the award, Johnathan will be recognized this summer by the Assistant Commissioner of Education for DESE, Paul Katnik, and receive official recognition from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Education Department
The mission of Evangel’s Education Department is to provide for the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development of future teachers. All of Evangel’s teacher education programs are accredited and approved by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our teacher preparation programs prepare the next generation of educators to compassionately educate today’s students using the most up-to-date and research-based pedagogy, skills, and strategies.
###
About Evangel University
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive, Spirit-led Christian university in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel educates and equips students to serve the Church and society globally.
Recent recognition includes:
- Top 15% of Christian Colleges in America — Niche (2026)
- Top Performer in Social Mobility — U.S. News & World Report (2026)
- Best Christian University — Colleges of Distinction (2026)
Evangel also holds program accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology, and is certified as an Excellence in Giving university. Learn more at evangel.edu.