Dora Eastin honored as Joplin School District's Support Staff of the Year

Apr. 1—Behavior specialist Dora Eastin was recently named Support Staff of the Year at Joplin schools for 2024.

Eastin works at Soaring Heights Elementary School and has been in the district for seven years.

Staff and administrators at Soaring Heights nominated Eastin for the award, noting her servant leadership, her ability to welcome students with compassion, dignity and respect, and her focus on helping students build confidence and academic skills so they can participate fully in class.

Nominations for Support Staff of the Year were accepted by a district committee charged with choosing a final winner.

Eastin received the award last week at a schoolwide assembly at Soaring Heights. Also on hand to celebrate were members of Eastin's family, Joplin administrators Kerry Sachetta and Sarah Mwangi, Duenweg Education Center Director Chawn Howard, and Joplin Board of Education members Rylee Hartwell and David Weaver.

Eastin will receive a $500 prize from the Joplin Schools Foundation and will welcome district staff during the 2024-25 school year's opening day ceremony in August.

Soaring Heights Principal Katy Booher said in a statement that Eastin has created a program at the school called The Focus Room, which has helped students find their voice and explore new resources for success, leading to improved outcomes.

"Dora is flexible and resilient even in the most difficult of circumstances," Booher said in a statement. "She makes sure to include parents in our efforts to support students and empowers teachers to build their capacity in support of all learners. She is an incredible leader and we are grateful for her service to Joplin."

Eastin also coaches track and cross country at Joplin High School, where she encourages team members to volunteer their time to help the Soaring Heights Running Club.