OKLAHOMA CITY (July 25,
2016) – The 12 finalists for Oklahoma’s next Teacher of the Year were
announced today in a ceremony at Edmond Santa Fe High School during EngageOK On
the Road, the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s summer conference.
“I am honored to recognize the finalists for this year’s
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Joy Hofmeister. “Each of these men and women stood out in a sea of talent across
the state. Their professionalism, creativity, and commitment to Oklahoma’s public
education system stand as shining examples of how dedication and passion can change
the lives of Oklahoma’s children.”
All finalists are teachers of the year for their districts
and were selected after their application packets were reviewed by a panel that
included educators, members of the business community, legislators and
nonprofit partners.
The 2017 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be revealed
August 30 in a ceremony at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
The finalists:
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Rebecka Binion
teaches kindergarten through 6th grade at Linwood Elementary School in Oklahoma
City Public Schools. She has been an educator for eight years and has held her
current position for three. |
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Mike Doudican
teaches 9th through 12th grade U.S. history and U.S. government at Glenpool
High School in Glenpool Public Schools. He has been an educator for 11 years
and has held his current position for four. |
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Kristen Dover teaches
4h grade at Cache Intermediate Elementary at Cache Public Schools. She has been
an educator for 10 years and has held her current position for four. |
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Robin Haworth
teaches 9th through 12th grade biology, anatomy, botany and zoology at Tecumseh
High School in Tecumseh Public Schools. She has been an educator for 19 years
and has held her current position for 13. |
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Jon Hazell
teaches 9th through 12th grade anatomy, biology and environmental science at
Durant High School in the Durant Independent School District. He has been an
educator for 33 years and has held his current position for all of them. |
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Brittany Hix teaches
6th grade language arts and social studies at Jenks West Intermediate School in
Jenks Public Schools. She has been an educator for four years and has held her
current position for all of them. |
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Charmin Holland
teaches kindergarten at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Duncan Public Schools. She
has been an educator for 19 years and has held her current position for two. |
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Tiffany Massie
teaches 5th and 6th grade special education at Canyon Ridge Intermediate in
Mustang Public Schools. She has been an educator for 18 years and has held her
current position for two. |
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Adam Mewhorter
teaches high school instrumental music at Southmoore High School in Moore
Public Schools. He has been an educator for 16 years and has held his current
position for eight. |
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Kay Morris
teaches kindergarten through 3rd grade and reading at Verdigris Lower
Elementary School in Verdigris Public Schools. She has been an educator for 33
years and has held her current position for two. |
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Lisa Pitts
teaches 5th grade, science and reading at Jones Elementary School in Jones
Public Schools. She has been an educator for 21 years and has held her current
position for two. |
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Mona Schmitz
teaches 3rd grade at Highland Park Elementary in Woodward Public Schools. She
has been an educator for 32 years and has held her current position for 31. |
Rising Stars Also Named
In addition, OSDE named six “Rising Star” teachers who
demonstrated great skill and potential in their applications.
The Rising Stars are:
Jamie Aguilar, Garfield Elementary, Enid Public Schools Michelle Clonch, Washington Elementary, Ada Public Schools Melaine Crowder, Grove Upper Elementary, Grove Public Schools Laura Latta, Rosa Parks Elementary, Union Public Schools Kasey McKinzie, Wanette Public Schools Jordan Wisniewski, Bethany Middle School, Bethany Public Schools
Photos of the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists are available upon request.
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