Blue Springs School District

It is my pleasure to introduce our September Employee of the Month and 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year Jordan Lockwood. Jordan is a social studies teacher at Paul Kinder Middle School in his sixth year at PKMS and has been in education for nine years.

Jordan was recently named a 2025 Greater Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year, and along with teaching Social Studies, runs the PKMS Coding Club as well as coaching track and field.

In his role as BSSD Teacher of the Year, Jordan gave an inspirational speech to fellow staff at the BSSD’s annual convocation event, highlighting his educational journey and challenging them to continue to grow, just as he challenges his students to.

PKMS Principal Alicia Leimkuehler said of Jordan, “Mr. Lockwood loves teaching social studies and middle schoolers. This is evident in the passion he brings to our school and his classroom every day. His outlook and mindset challenges all of us to be the change we want to see in the world. I’ve seen the ripple effect of this throughout our building. The emphasis and focus on kindness and responsibility, are a key part of who Mr. Lockwood is as a teacher and has become a big part of who we are as Grizzlies. In addition to the positive impact he has on our building culture, he is a phenomenal teacher who can engage all students through innovative and engaging teaching and collaborates with others to enhance learning schoolwide.”

PKMS colleague Lauren Weeks said, “I was new to PKMS last year, and Jordan became an instant friend. My classroom was across the hall from his, and it was a joy to watch him interact with students and colleagues every day. Jordan has an infectious personality and brings positive energy to every situation. Jordan makes the students feel valued and heard, and he is an excellent leader at our school. I am so proud of Jordan and all he has accomplished!”

Fellow teacher Dakota Buchanan said, “Jordan is a true leader at PKMS. He has created a classroom environment that empowers students to learn, grow, and excel at the highest level. Additionally, he consistently demonstrates a collaborative spirit and willingly shares his expertise with colleagues to enhance the educational experience. Jordan makes PKMS an exceptional place to work and learn.”

Fellow PKMS teacher Dan Meyer added, “My favorite part of working with Jordan is how well we mesh together as a group. He is a chameleon and can work well with anyone in the school. He is the most prepared person I have ever met and has any school supply ever needed. Most importantly, he is genuine in his conversations with staff and his students.”

Students had high praise for Mr. Lockwood. Ava Batton said, “I feel like Mr. Lockwood really cares about his student’s education and their learning. He always makes sure we have the best environment to learn in and will always help us if we need it. Plus, Mr. Lockwood is super funny!”

Delaney Potter added, “He is always energetic, happy, and wants to brighten people’s days,” and Jaxon McWhorter said, “Mr. Lockwood is very on point with his stuff. He is very happy and funny. His classroom just feels happy.”

Join me in congratulating Mr. Lockwood as our September Employee of the Month and our District Teacher of the Year.