Blue Springs School District

It is my honor to introduce our September Employee of the Month and 2025-2026 BSSD Teacher of the Year, Jillian Littlejohn. Jillian is a first grade teacher at Cordill-Mason Elementary who has been with BSSD for 17 years.

Littlejohn supports students both in and out of the classroom by leading her school’s robotics club and serving as a member of the BIST Vision and Care team. Jillian is also a Writing Lab Host for teachers and literacy coaches.

When reflecting on factors that influenced Jillian to become a teacher, she wrote, “Whether my students learned resilience, focus, empathy, or inner pride, my goal is for a child to emerge from my room a little stronger, a little braver, and a little more confident in their ability to learn. When this happens, I have not just contributed to my school, I have contributed to our world, and there is nothing more honorable than that.”

CME Principal Jaclyn Brunk said Littlejohn is dedicated to making connections with her students. “Jill has transformed countless lives throughout her years of teaching,” Brunk said. “She never gives up on a student and coaches others on how to do the same. I have always known her greatness, and I am so proud that her greatness can be shared with others. Jill impacts students during the time she spends with them as her teacher, and aides in continuing that growth when they leave her classroom.”

CME kindergarten teacher Megan Hulver said,

“Jill is a true hidden gem/treasure of CME. Her time as district teacher of the year helps others to see how Unlimited she truly is, but she is happiest in her classroom or at our school, helping us all be better. Jill is passionate, patient, and firm, and holds both herself and all students to the highest standards. She never gives up…whether it is figuring out new technology, trying a different teaching strategy, planning a unit, nudging a child to the next step, or outlasting a difficult behavior. I’m so proud of her and so lucky to call her a colleague and friend.”

Fellow CME teacher Madison Karscig added,

“Jill goes above and beyond for everyone, and I mean EVERYONE. She is her students’ biggest advocate - past and present. She is also there for every single colleague. You can ask Jill a question about anything, at any time, and she will get you an answer. She is truly the best, and we are so lucky she is ours.”

Join me in congratulating Jill as our September Employee of the Month and 2025-2026 BSSD Teacher of the Year.