Cheryl Cluck Named Master Teacher for USD 429 Troy
The USD 429 Master Teacher of the Year Selection Committee met on April 22, 2026, to select the Master Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Eight committee members met from representation across the district and parent organizations. Five teachers were nominated for the honor.
Our 2025-2026 Master Teacher of The Year is Mrs. Cheryl Cluck.
Mrs. Cluck is in her fourth year of teaching students with the Troy School District after very successful teaching stops in the Atchison and St. Joe School Districts. Mrs. Cluck has taught second grade students since she was hired in Troy.
Mrs. Cluck’s colleagues, students’ parents, and others said the following: Cheryl truly represents what it means to be an outstanding educator. She is dedicated, creative, and always finding new ways to make learning meaningful and fun for her students. Mrs. Cluck has been described as “crafty”. She puts her heart into everything she does and goes out of her way to make sure each child feels supported, included, and excited to come to school. Her classroom is a warm, welcoming place where students feel safe to take risks and grow.
What really stands out is the impact Cheryl has on her students beyond academics. She builds their confidence, encourages them to be proud of their work, and helps them see what they are truly capable of. Her kindness and genuine care don’t go unnoticed—by students or colleagues.
On behalf of the USD 429 Staff and Board of Education, congratulations Mrs. Cluck on being chosen as Master Teacher of The Year for the 2025-2026 school year.
Other teachers nominated for the honor include….
Brittany Clary – Ms. Clary is completing her 7th year of teaching. She has taught students at all levels in our district, which can be a challenge at times. During her time at Troy, Ms. Clarry has put on musicals, concerts, plays music at the sporting events, and also serves as middle school scholars bowl coach.
Angela Johnson – Mrs. Johnson is a veteran teacher and a well-respected teacher for the school district. A former Master Teacher of The Year winner, she has taught in the Troy district for twenty years. Mrs. Johnson not only teaches middle school math, but she makes it worthwhile, applicable, and enjoyable. Mrs. Johnson also helps with middle school track and enjoys watching all the students participate in their activities.
Veronica Masters – Mrs. Masters is finishing up her 4th year teaching in the Troy school district. Mrs. Masters teaches middle school science with content ranging from the solar system to cell life. Something is always going on in her classroom: activities, experiments, cooperative learning. She has grown tremendously as a teacher over the years and continues to grow as she settles into her effective, veteran teacher role.
Roger Purdy – Mr. Purdy has taught art in the Troy district for sixteen years. He has helped and has proudly witnessed many of his students performing well in art contests and festivals. Mr. Purdy has helped guide the development and painting of many murals we have on our school and city walls. Mr. Purdy is very involved outside the classroom as well. He coaches multiple sports involving middle school and high school student athletes.