Darrion Cockrell

Darrion Cockrell is Missouri’s 2021 Teacher of the Year and NEA’s 2021 Horace Mann Friend of Education award winner.

Born and raised in the city of St. Louis up until the age of 14. At 14 Cockrell was moved into a boy’s home out in Creve Coeur where he would stay for a year. After a year in the boy’s home Cockrell was adopted by his middle school football coach and stayed with them for the next 11 years in Chesterfield. While living in Chesterfield, Cockrell attended both Parkway Central Middle and Central Highschool.

After playing college football at Millikin University for 2 years and injuring his shoulder. Cockrell returned home and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education/Physical Education and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Cockrell or Mr. DC as he likes to be called, teaches physical education at Crestwood Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri. He has nine years of teaching experience and has been at Crestwood since 2015.

Cockrell is a role model for his students, and focuses on creating relationships that support the importance of staying active and healthy. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, inspires his fellow teachers, and motivates everyone at Crestwood.

Cockrell received a 2020 National Box Tops for Education Twilight Award, from Chance the Rapper. He also created the “Crest-Fit” training program, reaching thousands of people over multiple platforms. In his free time, DC enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and supporting his students as they thrive in their activities.