2017 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists and "Rising Stars" announced

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Steffie Corcoran
Director of Communications
(405) 522-5324, c: (405) 312-9558
steffie.corcoran@sde.ok.gov

Deana Silk
Deputy Director of Communications
(405) 521-3371, c: (405) 760-7881
deana.silk@sde.ok.gov

Erin Jasmer
Communications Specialist
(405) 521-3375, c: (405) 650-0325
erin.jasmer@sde.ok.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

2017 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists and "Rising Stars" announced

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:


Rebecka Binion

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.


Mike Doudican

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.


Kristen Dover

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.


Robin Haworth

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. 


Jon Hazell

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.


Brittany Hix

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.


Charmin Holland

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.


Tiffany Massie

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.


Adam Mewhorter

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.


Kay Morris

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.


Lisa Pitts

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.


Mona Schmitz

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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