07-02-2025
OKCPS and OKCPS Fdn announce finalists for OKCPS Teacher of the Year Award
OKLAHOMA ITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation (OKCPS Foundation) revealed nine finalists for the district's 2025 Teacher of the Year award.
According to OKCPS and OKCPS Foundation, finalists are chosen for their outstanding dedication, innovation and impact in the classroom each year. The selection from the finalist group, is set to be invited to apply for OKCPS District Teacher of the Year.
This year's OKCPS Teacher of the Year is set to be selected from this group of finalists with the winner announced on May 8.
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2025 OKCPS Teacher of the Year Finalists:
Jaclyn Brown – English Language Arts teacher at Southeast High School
Kuwantu Cammon – Art teacher at Britton Elementary
Jessica Catalano – Art teacher at Quail Creek Elementary
Michele Contreras – Strings teacher at Classen SAS Middle School
Faisal Madni – Physical Education teacher at Wheeler Middle School
Destiny Phillips – 3rd Grade teacher at Van Buren Elementary
Justine Ritter – Special Education English teacher at Emerson South Mid-High
Isaiah Sharp – 5th Grade Science teacher at Southeast Middle School
Erika Vasquez – Dance teacher at Classen SAS High School at Northeast
'OKCPS is a destination for excellence, attracting top-tier educators who are deeply committed to shaping the future of our scholars. These nine Teacher of the Year finalists embody the innovation, passion and leadership that define our district. Their dedication ensures that OKCPS continues to be a place where all students thrive, families choose to enroll, and educators are proud to teach. As a district, we are focused on academic achievement, student growth and postsecondary success—hallmarks of a 'First Choice' school system. These outstanding educators are driving real impact in our classrooms, directly supporting the six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure our progress. They represent the very best of OKCPS, proving that great schools start with great teachers. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have on our students and community.'
OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk
'Teachers are the backbone of OKCPS, and these nine finalists truly represent the best of the best. Congratulations to this year's finalists who exemplify excellence everyday in their classrooms. Their passion for education and commitment to students is inspiring, and we are thrilled to celebrate them. We are also grateful to OKCPS and our community partners, whose generosity and support make this recognition of excellence in education possible.'
Kendra Horn, President & CEO of the OKCPS Foundation.
The nine finalists are set to be recognized at the annual Stars of Education event, where the 2025 OKCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced, says OKCPS leaders.
This year's event will take place on May 8, 2025, at The Yale Theater in Oklahoma City.
The 2025 OKCPS District Teacher of the Year will also represent OKCPS in the Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year competition.
For more information about Stars of Education, click
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