Oklahoma State Teacher
of the Year

Surely a teacher understands as well as anyone that "new occasions teach new duties." A teacher is continually challenged to find new ways of reaching students, new approaches to helping them relate the world of ideas to their own daily lives. This program is designed to identify and recognize the best of the best.

The program is under the auspices of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. In an extensive process, local Teachers of the Year are selected. These go to regional contests and, then, to the state. Each teacher prepares an  extensive curriculum vita, as well as a video tape. There is an extensive interview process as well.

It must be a very difficult task to choose between the 12 finalists. Each is outstanding--each is a credit to Oklahoma and to our schools. But a State Teacher of the Year is chosen. The Foundation presents a check for $5,000 to the State Teacher of the Year. He or she is expected to spend their year going from school to school, speaking to groups  of teachers and students, inspiring and challenging others to excel. The funds from the Foundation help cover some of the teacher's expenses for the year.  We also present a check for $1,000 to each of the 11 runners-up. And we send a framed certificate of appreciation to each local Teacher of the Year. In the year 2007, we presented 145 certificates.

Also, during the presentation ceremony each year, a check for $5,000 from the Foundation is also presented to the State Teacher of the Year's school district to be used for any education related purposes.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

2007 - 2008

Stephanie Canada
Grades 1 - 5
Physical Education
Shawnee Public Schools
Will Rogers Elementary School

"I Love teaching!  My reward is performing a job that I am passionate about, for the children I love, with colleagues who are my friends."

She writes the following: 

My beliefs about teaching are founded on educating the "whole child."  I believe healthy, active children learn more effectively.  As an elementary physical education teacher, I have a unique and fortunate role;  I can utilize a child's natural inclination to move to provide kinesthetic and authentic learning experiences.  I believe that interdisciplinary integration is concomitant with curriculum.  Consequently, I am able to teach not only my curriculum effectively and integrate interdisciplinary material but also provide student opportunities to practice healthy life skills daily.


             

RUNNERS UP:
 

Shannon Pruitt
Grade 4
Dale Public Schools
Dale Elementary School

Steve Bowlware
Grades 9 - 12
Math
Edmond Public Schools
Edmond Memorial High School




Sallie Mullens
Grade 1
Elk City Public Schools
Northeast Elementary School




Lori Duncan
Grade 2
Fort Gibson Public Schools
Early Learning Center

Susan Petreikis
Grade 2
Jenks Public Schools
Southeast Elementary School

Prentice Redman
Grade 1
McAlester Public Schools
Emerson Elementary School

Julie Angle
Grades 9 - 12
High School Science
Computer Technology
Medford Public Schools
Medford High School

Michael Payne
Grades 7 - 8
Drama and Theater
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Classen School of Advanced Studies

Melanie Eick
Grades 9 - 12
Multiple Disabilities
Special Education
Stillwater Public Schools
Stillwater High School

Debbie Snider
Grades Pre-K - 5
Gifted and Talented
Union Public Schools
Rosa Parks Elementary School

Brenda Gartrell
Grade 5
Science and Mathmatics
Woodward Public Schools
Woodward Middle School

2007 Dist winners

PAST STATE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR