State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister introduced the 12 finalists for Oklahoma’s next Teacher of the Year today in a ceremony at Southmoore High School. The impressive group includes an English teacher at Grove High School in Grove Public Schools, Terry Guthridge.
“These 12 individuals represent the highest standard of education in our state and are exceptional examples of the tremendous impact one person can make in the lives of kids,” said Hofmeister. “Their use of innovative instructional strategies and their demonstrated ability to forge meaningful relationships with students and families demonstrate their commitment to the success of every child in their classroom. We are proud of their success, and they are deserving of this important honor.”
The announcement came at Southmoore High School, the last of five regional sites for EngageOK on the Road, a free summer conference series by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
All finalists were named teachers of the year for their respective districts and selected after their application packets were reviewed by a panel of educators, legislators and members of business and nonprofit organizations.
The 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be named Sept. 17 in a ceremony at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
Beginning July 1, 2020, the honoree will assume full-time Teacher of the Year duties, which include speaking engagements and serving as Oklahoma’s teacher ambassador, encouraging others to enter or remain in the profession.
The 2019 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Becky Oglesby of Yukon, will continue to tour the state until July 2020.
The 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists are:
