Four OKC-area teachers reach finals for state award

EDMOND — Four teachers from the Oklahoma City metro area are in the running to be the state’s top teacher.

They were among 12 educators named finalists for 2017 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year on Monday during the EngageOK summer education conference.

Rebecka Binion, a fifth-grade teacher at Linwood Elementary in the Oklahoma City school district, called it a “huge honor to get to represent the profession and what we’re doing every day.”

“As teachers, we’re always facing challenges,” Binion said. “Every year there’s different challenges. Every day we face a lot of challenges with our students.

“My message to teachers is to stay motivated. Find that internal inspiration and stay motivated and don’t let that passion leave.”

The winner will be announced Aug. 30 at State Fair Park.

Joining Binion on stage Monday with state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and reigning Teacher of the Year Shawn Sheehan were finalists Mike Doudican, Glenpool High; Kristen Dover, Cache Intermediate Elementary; Robin Haworth, Tecumseh High; Jon Hazell, Durant High; Brittany Hix, Jenks West Intermediate; Charmin Holland, Wilson Elementary (Duncan); Tiffany Massie, Canyon Ridge Intermediate (Mustang); Adam Mewhorter, Southmoore High; Kay Morris, Verdigris Lower Elementary; Lisa Pitts, Jones Elementary; and Mona Schmitz, Highland Park Elementary (Woodward).

The finalists were selected after their application packets were reviewed by a panel that included educators, members of the business community, legislators and nonprofit partners. Each is a district teacher of the year.

Also named Monday were six “Rising Star” teachers who demonstrated great skill and potential in their applications to the state Education Department.

They are: Jamie Aguilar, Garfield Elementary (Enid); Michelle Clonch, Washington Elementary (Ada); Melanie Crowder, Grove Upper Elementary; Laura Latta, Rosa Parks Elementary (Union Public Schools, Tulsa); Kasey McKinzie Wanette Public Schools; and Jordan Wiswniewski, Bethany Middle School.

The education conference, sponsored by the department, continues Tuesday at Edmond Santa Fe High School.