| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Rachel Keith, Ada Public Schools |
| 2023 | Traci Manuel, Tulsa Public Schools |
| 2022 | Rebecka Peterson, Union Public Schools |
| 2021 | Jessica Eschbach, Norman Public Schools |
| 2020 | Jena Nelson, Deer Creek Public Schools |
| 2019 | Becky Oglesby, Yukon Public Schools |
| 2018 | Donna Gradel, Broken Arrow |
| 2017 | Jon Hazel, Durant |
| 2016 | Shawn Sheehan, Norman |
| 2015 | Jason Scott Proctor, Tahlequah |
Teacher of the Year
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program is coordinated through the Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The program is in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year Program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
If you have any questions regarding the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year process; please contact: teacheroftheyear@sde.ok.gov
2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
Melissa Evon
Courses: Family and Consumer Sciences, Principles of Human Services, Hospitality and Tourism. Interpersonal Studies Teacher Grades 9-12
“Teaching is a profession where the most extraordinary moments occur in the unexpected connections, the collaborative discoveries, and the triumphs of students realizing their own potential. For me, effective teaching is all about reaching every student. One of the most rewarding aspects of the profession is the opportunity to connect students with the world beyond the classroom, helping them cultivate skills that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.” - Melissa Evon
General Qualifications
All Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 educators, who have won their district-level Teacher of the Year, in Oklahoma Public Schools are eligible for nomination. It is important that every educator is given the opportunity to participate in this recognition process. There is no minimum number of years required to be qualified for the Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year.
Nominees should be exceptionally skillful and dedicated educators who are planning to continue in an active status. According to the director of the National Teacher of the Year Program, an educator is one who educates a group of students and does not have administrative duties. Nominees should communicate effectively and demonstrate creative and imaginative teaching on a day-to-day basis. The nominee should have the ability to inspire the value of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities and assure academic success. Nominations should be made without regard to age, sex, race, or religion.
Selection Process
At the district level, the Teacher of the Year program is coordinated through the district superintendent. It is the responsibility of the district superintendent to make sure that every educator is allowed to participate in the recognition process. It is important to emphasize that the search is not for “the best teacher,” but for one who exemplifies the finest in the profession. Only district-level Teachers of the Year may apply for Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year.
Local District Selection Process
The school district determines their selection process and announces their district Teacher of the Year, who will then be eligible to apply for Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year.
Regional Selection Committee
The regional selection committee will evaluate the applications that have been submitted by district Teachers of the Year and select twenty semi-finalists to continue to the Finalist Selection committee.
Finalist Selection Committee
The finalist selection committee will evaluate the applications of the semi-finalists as well as conduct a virtual interview and select the ten finalists who will continue to the State Selection committee.
State Selection Committee
The state selection committee will follow the procedures identified below for each of the finalists to select the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
- View a digital video file of classroom teaching.
- Conduct an in-person interview.
- Recommend the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the State Superintendent.
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Recognition
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year serves as Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching, representing Oklahoma in the national competition by sharing knowledge and resources with fellow educators around the state and encouraging education as a profession.
Former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year List
If you have any questions regarding the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year process; please contact the OSDE via email at teacheroftheyear@sde.ok.gov.
Last Modified on
Sep 22, 2025
