2016 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists

and "Rising Stars" announced

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 9, 2015) - The 12 candidates to be Oklahoma’s next state Teacher of the Year were announced today in a ceremony at EngageOK, the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s (OSDE) summer conference.

“These teachers demonstrate incredible talent, creativity and dedication. They represent the best-of-the best, and that is not an easy achievement when you consider how many amazing teachers our state has in all of its schools,” state Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said. “I am honored to recognize our finalists, and I look forward to collaborating with them and sharing their successes with all of Oklahoma.”

The finalists have all been named the next teachers of the year in their districts. They were chosen based on their applications for the title, which were reviewed by a committee of fellow Oklahoma educators.

The finalists:

Amanda Bowser is a Title I Math Interventionist and learning coach for students in second through fifth grade at Oak Crest Elementary in Broken Arrow Public Schools. She has been an educator for 10 years and has held her current position for four.

Cindy Butler teaches fifth grade English Language Arts at Parkview Elementary in Mid-Del Schools. She has been an educator for 30 years and has held her current position for 21.

Jenniffer Callaway teaches English Language Arts I, II, III and IV as well as the elective course Healthy Lifestyles at Jenks Alternative Center in Jenks Public Schools. She has been a teacher for 22 years and has held her current position for five.

Tony Flores teaches music to students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Wiley Post Elementary in Putnam City Schools. He started his teaching career four years ago at Wiley Post.

Lori Hartin teaches English II, Pre-AP English II and competitive speech at Madill High School in Madill Public Schools. She has nine years of teaching experience, seven of which have been in Madill.

Lisa Kerns teaches second grade at Hilldale Lower Elementary in Hilldale Public Schools. She has been a teacher for 20 years, including 13 in her current position.

Sharon Morgan teaches first grade at Piedmont Elementary in Piedmont Public Schools. She has been a teacher for 17 years and held her current position for three.

Kimberly Paxson teaches Design Basics, Advanced 2D and 3D art, and AP and pre-AP Studio Art at Shawnee High School in Shawnee Public Schools. She has been a teacher for 10 years and in her current position for two.

Jack Reavis teaches AP U.S. History and AP Government and Politics at Muskogee High School in Muskogee Public Schools. He has been a teacher for 20 years, including 13 years in his current position.

Shawn Sheehan teaches Algebra I at Norman High School in Norman Public Schools. He became a teacher four years ago when he was hired at his current school.

Ryan Walters teaches AP World History, World History and U.S. History at McAlester High School in McAlester Public Schools. He has been a teacher for four years, holding his current position the whole time.

Susan Weaver teaches Pre-Kindergarten at Highland Park Elementary in Stillwater Public Schools. She has been a teacher for 20 years and held her current position for five.

RISING STARS ALSO NAMED

In addition, the OSDE named five “Rising Star” teachers who demonstrated great skill and potential in their applications.

The Rising Stars are:

• Lindsey Schroder, Chisholm Elementary, Chisholm School District
• Samantha Murch, Star Spencer High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools
• Paula Haueter, J.W. Sam Elementary, Catoosa Public Schools
• Tamara Crull, Bixby Middle School, Bixby Public Schools
• Annie Keehn, Bethel High School, Bethel Public Schools
• Andrea Sifers, Wetumka Elementary, Wetumka Public School

The 2016 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be revealed August 25 in a ceremony at the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.

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