Brian Jennings, English language arts teacher at Affton High School has been named Affton School District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.
“Celebrating the achievements of our teachers is always rewarding, and recognizing the profound impact they have on our students and community is essential,” said Dr. Travis Bracht, superintendent. “Brian’s deep commitment to student voice, community connection, and inclusive teaching practices sets him apart. He exemplifies what it means to be an educator in Affton, and I am proud to honor him with this well-deserved recognition.”
Jennings has spent his entire 25-year teaching career at Affton High School, where he has consistently pushed boundaries to connect learning to the world beyond the classroom. A dual-credit instructor through Saint Louis University, he designed and teaches the only high school-level Bosnian American Studies course in the country. His work has helped students amplify their voices through partnerships with community leaders, national organizations, and local media outlets. One colleague shared, “He brings so many incredible opportunities to Affton. His consistent connections outside of Affton help bring unique cultural experiences to students who would otherwise not get to experience them.”
Throughout his career, Jennings has been known not just for his innovative instruction but for his genuine relationships with students. “He understands that teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” a parent wrote. “Brian sees each learner as unique and deserving of individualized attention and care.”
Whether coaching students through a mock trial of Hamlet at the SLU Law Center, guiding them through storytelling projects on migration, or simply greeting them with kindness and respect, Jennings is a teacher whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom—and deep into the heart of the Affton community.
Each Affton school also named a Teacher of the Year for their building. They include Trudi Sanders for Mesnier Primary; Amanda Leslie at Gotsch Intermediate; Alex Berger at Rogers Middle; and Jennings at Affton High School.
Trudi Sanders, the Mesnier Primary School Teacher of the Year, is a first grade teacher with 27 years in education and has been in the Affton School District for 24 years.
Amanda Leslie, the Gotsch Intermediate School Teacher of the Year, is a third grade teacher and has been in the Affton School District for five years.
Alex Berger, the Rogers Middle School Teacher of the Year, is the industrial technology teacher with 14 years in education and has been in the Affton School District for 13 years.
