Webster Groves High School teacher Julie Burchett has been chosen by the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution as the 2012 Outstanding Teacher of American History. She'll be honored May 5 in Jefferson City.

Her nomination has been forwarded for consideration for a national award.

Burchett took the lead in developing the Statesmen Center, which offers an alternative classroom environment to meet student needs. The center serves more than 70 students and the graduation rate is higher than 90 percent. Many of the students in the center had previously dropped out, but Burchett's persistence brought them back to school and helped them succeed.