Dr. Karla Eslinger is now serving as Missouri's Commissioner of Education, having stepped into the role following the retirement of Commissioner Margie Vandeven at the end of June 2024. Dr. Karla Eslinger is a lifelong educator with over 30 years of experience in a variety of educational settings. Beginning her career as an elementary school teacher, she went on to serve as a building principal and superintendent in Ava and West Plains. After retiring as superintendent, Dr. Eslinger joined the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as the Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Educator Quality.
Legislative Background
A member of the Missouri General Assembly from 2019-2024 Dr. Eslinger was a strong advocate for Missouri’s students, educators, and public schools. In her time in the legislature, she has advocated for education funding and policies that support public schools. In the 2023 legislative session, she filed five bills related to education, with a particular focus on education funding.
Notably, in 2021, Dr. Eslinger voted against the bill that created the state's K-12 tax-credit scholarship program, signaling her support for traditional public schools and local control.
Dr. Eslinger’s Education Background:
- Graduate of Gainesville High School.
- Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from The College of the Ozarks.
- Master's Degree in Education Administration from Missouri State University.
- Specialist Degree in Superintendency and Educational System Administration from Missouri State University.
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
- Legislative Experience Focused on Education
Dr. Eslinger transitioned to public service as an elected official, representing District 155 in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2019 to 2020, and then representing District 33 in the Missouri Senate from 2021 to 2024.
A Commitment to Public Education
Dr. Eslinger's family is deeply rooted in public education—both of her daughters are Missouri educators, one serving as a principal and the other as a teacher. They have four grandchildren who are the joy of their lives.
Speaking to the board, she shared,
"We all want the same thing. We want our children to be successful. We want our communities to be successful. We want our state to be successful. I believe in intentionally working directly with and respecting each of these various groups."
MNEA Reacts to New Commissioner
MNEA President Phil Murray expressed optimism about Dr. Eslinger's appointment, "Dr. Karla Eslinger's appointment as Commissioner reflects her extensive experience and dedication to Missouri's students and public schools. From her beginnings as an elementary teacher to becoming superintendent and holding key positions within DESE, Dr. Eslinger has consistently demonstrated her commitment to Missouri students and public schools."
As Dr. Karla Eslinger steps into her new role as Missouri's Commissioner of Education, her extensive experience in education and public service positions her to address the challenges facing Missouri's public schools.
With a background that includes roles as a teacher, principal, superintendent, assistant commissioner at DESE, and state legislator, she brings a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape. Key issues such as improving teacher salaries, addressing the teacher shortage, and maintaining local control of school districts are among the priorities that lie ahead. The Missouri NEA looks forward to collaborating with Dr. Eslinger, the State Board of Education, and elected leaders from both parties to work toward ensuring that every Missouri student has access to qualified educators and quality education.