Two much-loved staff members at Rock Port R-II School District have ended several decades of dedication to our local students with their recent retirements.

Kymm Bredensteiner of Tarkio, Missouri, a 2024 Rock Port Elementary Educator of the Year, put in nearly 30 years of service to teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education in 1994, her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2002, and her Education Specialist Degree in Elementary Administration in 2008. Her teaching career began in 1997 at Craig, Missouri. She eventually moved her education expertise to the Rock Port R-II School District. Teaching first and second grades, Mrs. Bredensteiner helped educate around 400 students in 28 years.She also coached high school volleyball at Craig for four years and junior high volleyball at Craig for two years. When not teaching or coaching, or being a mother to her daughter, Keely, she’s also put in time serving with the CTA, PEO, and MSTA.

Kymm said she will miss the students and her fellow teachers the most. “The students’ energy and enthusiasm that they bring daily into the classroom is refreshing. The laughter and unexpected moments from children can brighten any day. I’ll also miss the daily camaraderie with fellow teachers and the relationships that have been built. There have been so many laughs over the years, along with support and understanding personally and professionally.”

In retirement, Kymm plans to spend more time with her family and enjoying her hobbies. She will also be helping her husband, Shane, on the farm, but would love to stay connected to education, perhaps through volunteering or substitute teaching.

Another long-time Rock Port R-II educator who retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year is Shauna Farmer.

Shauna graduated from Rock Port High School in 1988 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Middle School/Junior High Education with a minor in Mathematics in 1992. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Education – Guidance and Counseling.

Shauna taught junior high math at North Nodaway from 1992 to 1993 and sixth grade from 1993 to 1997 at West Nodaway. In the fall of 1997, she began her career with the Rock Port R-II School District. From 1997 to 2001, she was the Talented And Gifted (TAG) educator. From 1997 to 2009, she was the elementary counselor. From 2001 to 2005, she taught junior high math. In the fall of 2005, she became the high school counselor and has served in that capacity ever since. When not teaching, she has also served on the Rock Port Community Teachers Association (holding offices of president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer through the years); Professional Development Committee (chair and vice-chair offices); Teachers, Administration, Board and Students; Career Ladder Committee; Calendar Committee; Welfare Committee; Missouri State Teachers Association; Missouri State Counselors Association; Northwest Missouri Counselors Association; and Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

Shauna’s duties at Rock Port R-II went well beyond counseling students. She was also responsible for Missouri Student Information System reports, as well as working as the PowerSchool coordinator, testing coordinator, peer counselor sponsor, class sponsor, dual credit coordinator, A+ coordinator, concession stand coordinator, student council advisor, cheerleading sponsor, and dance sponsor.

In her 33 years of working in education, Shauna has built up several great memories. “I have worked with so many talented educators and have gained so many friends over the years. There were many lunches and laughs shared around the teacher workroom table. Some of the best memories were when I was able to surprise students with scholarship money they didn’t know they were receiving. Watching students succeed in academics, organizations and athletics always makes me proud. I was able to teach in the same school my children attended which was an added benefit. I will miss the daily interaction with my co-workers and the students. I can honestly say that I never knew what might happen when I walked into the building each day. There was never any day on repeat. It will be bittersweet to leave.”

In retirement, Shauna plans to make more trips to Southeast Missouri to see her grandbaby (grandbaby number two will arrive in November). She will also be working more alongside her husband, W.C., at the Atchison County Mail in Rock Port, as well as taking care of several “to do” lists at home.