Nine finalists named for Oklahoma City Public Schools Teacher of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 28, 2022)

The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) have named nine finalists for OKCPS Teacher of the Year. The nine finalists for this year’s award were selected from the district’s teachers of the year from each school site.

The finalists include:

• Coquestia Ladd, Roosevelt Middle School

• Autumn Browning, Star Spencer High School

• Julie Farrell, Wheeler Middle School

• Lauren Yount, Classen SAS Middle School

• Lulla Wilson, Emerson South Mid-High

• Janey Akagha, Belle Isle Middle School

• Kimberly Banz, Classen SAS High School at NE

• Katrina Nubine, John Marshall Middle School

• Jessica Foley, Cesar Chavez Elementary

The finalists will be recognized at the annual Stars of Education celebration, which will be held virtually on May 5, 2022. The May 5 event includes a drive-thru celebration and the virtual announcement of the 2022 OKCPS Teacher of the Year. In addition to the virtual festivities, finalists receive a combined total of $7,500 in cash awards, plus a number of valuable prizes donated by community partners.

The selection process began last fall when each school site selected a Teacher of the Year candidate. Each site Teacher of the Year was then able to submit a nomination packet to be considered for OKCPS Teacher of the Year. A committee comprised of OKCPS educators and administrators anonymously evaluated each candidate. The results from their evaluations secured the nine OKCPS Teacher of the Year finalists through specified rating criteria. Now that the nine finalists have been identified, the selection committee will review video filmed in their classroom setting and will also conduct personal interviews to determine the winner. The 2022 OKCPS Teacher of the Year will be recognized at the Stars of Education virtual event on May 5 and will then serve as the district’s candidate for Oklahoma’s State Teacher of the Year.

“OKCPS teachers make us proud every day. Their commitment to our students and to their profession is unwavering, and the difference they make in the lives of our young people absolutely cannot be overstated," said Superintendent Sean McDaniel. "Congratulations to the nine finalists being recognized this year! These exceptional educators represent the very best of #TeamOKCPS.”  The Stars of Education event is held each spring to celebrate teachers and outstanding achievement throughout the district. In addition to the announcement of OKCPS Teacher of the Year, awards will also be presented to honorees for exceptional support staff, volunteers and Community Partners of the Year.

Two outstanding OKCPS principals, one from an elementary school and one from a secondary school, will receive The Sam and Charolet Shirley Outstanding Principal Awards as well as cash awards.

“Our teachers, principals, support staff and volunteers are known for being the biggest champions and advocates for OKCPS schools and students. This is a time to pause and celebrate the ways their commitment and service enriches our schools and students’ experiences each day,” said Mary Mélon, Foundation President/CEO. “The Stars of Education ceremony has always been one of the best evenings of the year, and this year we are making it an all-day celebration for the entire community to participate with the addition of our T-Up for OKCPS event also slated for May 5.”

In its inaugural year this May 5, T-Up for OKCPS is a celebration and fundraiser organized by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation. T-Up for OKCPS is designed to show OKCPS teacher, staff and students the unwavering support and pride that surrounds them throughout the city’s residents and community. The funds raised through the selling of T-Up for OKCPS sponsorships and commemorative shirts help fulfill ongoing needs of the district’s schools, staff and students. T-Up for OKCPS shirts are $25 each and sponsorships are $2,500 and include recognition on all shirts and up to 10 free shirts.

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Created in 1984, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, advocate for equity and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the district and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. Please visit us online at www.okckids.com for more information on our focus areas and volunteer and giving opportunities.

Media Contact

Addie Chappell | Koch Comm | 405-570-2959 | addie@kochcomm.com