08-03-2025
Educators from Choctaw, Tuttle among 10 named as finalists for state teacher of the year
Two Oklahoma City metropolitan area teachers – from Choctaw and Tuttle – are among the 10 finalists for the 2025 Oklahoma teacher of the year award.
State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced the lists of finalists in a late Friday news release.
Each of the finalists were named as the teacher of the year at both their school site, then within their school district. It's unclear who made the decision to choose the 10 finalists, but the news release from the Oklahoma State Department of Education said the finalists 'will now be evaluated by a panel of Oklahomans.' Who will be on that panel wasn't announced.
The winner of the state honor will be announced at the state agency's annual InspireOK professional development event for educators in July. In past years, before Walters became state superintendent, 12 finalists traditionally were named and the announcement came in September.
The 2024 state teacher of the year was Rachel Keith from Ada High School.
This year's finalists are:
● Shelly Austin | Cushing High School
● G. Bruce Riggs | Claremore High School
● Paula Caudill | Collinsville Upper Elementary School
● Jennifer Meyer | Grove Elementary School
● Melissa Lytle | Bixby North Intermediate School
● Chrystal Reis | L.W. Westfall Elementary School, Choctaw
● Shaunda Usry | Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center, Durant
● Lauren Draper | Tuttle Middle School
● Stacey Barker | Merritt Elementary School
● Melissa Evon | Elgin High School
Biographies of the 10 finalists can be found on the Oklahoma State Department of Education's Facebook page.
'These exceptional teachers represent the very best of Oklahoma education,' Walters said in a statement. 'Their passion and commitment to student success set the standard for educators across our state. I am honored to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the impact they continue to make in their schools and communities.'
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 10 finalists named for Oklahoma state teacher of the year award
