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Norman Public Schools select site teachers of the year
Teachers across the Norman Public School District today were recognized as Teachers of the Year at their respective schools for demonstrating a commitment to excellence and ingenuity in the classroom.
Coordinated by the district's Staff Development Committee, the program recognizes teachers who are ambassadors for the profession and exhibit vigorous, creative and imaginative teaching that result in positive learning experiences. Recipients also are active in their community and display positive leadership at their school.
“These teachers are among the finest in our profession,” said NPS Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano. “The passion and innovation these individuals bring to their schools inspire our students to be engaged learners. They are true leaders who make it their mission to ensure all students have an opportunity to succeed. We have tremendous pride in our teachers and appreciate all they do to serve our students.”
While each school’s selection process can differ, eligible teachers typically are nominated by their colleagues. The school’s faculty and support staff then cast votes to determine who will receive the honor.
“Each of these teachers are stellar educators who highlight the passion and professionalism that exists in public education,” said Shawn Sheehan, Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year and special education math teacher at Norman High. “It takes commitment, integrity and perseverance to make a difference in students’ lives. These individuals set the standard and represent the thousands of teachers in Norman who go above and beyond every day to support students.”
Recipients will be honored at a January breakfast and also will have an opportunity to be considered for the 2016 Norman Public Schools Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced in April. The district’s Teacher of the Year will be eligible for the statewide award.
Teachers recognized are:
- Adams Elementary - Sundi Martin, 2nd Grade
- Cleveland Elementary - Brooke Brandon, Special Education Resource
- Eisenhower Elementary - Sara Maddock, Reading Specialist
- Jackson Elementary - Liz Rylko, 3rd Grade
- Jefferson Elementary - Michelle Bennett, 3rd Grade
- Kennedy Elementary - Jenny Crow, Physical Education
- Lakeview Elementary - Brandi Caldwell, Instructional Coach
- Lincoln Elementary - Melanie Milligan, Pre-Kindergarten
- Madison Elementary - Gay Smith, Special Education Resource
- McKinley Elementary - Jessica Tims, 5th Grade
- Monroe Elementary - Jenae Tindell, Special Education Resource
- Reagan Elementary - Alex Holmes, 3rd Grade
- Roosevelt Elementary - Erin Thomas, 5th Grade
- Truman Elementary - Kristi Pate, 5th Grade
- Truman Primary - Ellen Kraft, English Language Learners
- Washington Elementary - Tammy Trumble, Gifted Resource Coordinator
- Wilson Elementary - Amy Szarka, Special Education Resource
- Alcott Middle School - Courtney Norman, 7th Grade Math
- Irving Middle School - Sara Adams, 6th Grade Math
- Longfellow Middle School - Melissa Evans, 8th Grade Language Arts
- Whittier Middle School - Benito Campos, Spanish
- Dimensions Academy - Angela Johnson, Baby Steps
- Norman High School - Adam Lifsics, Science
- Norman North School - Jamie Wilson, Marketing/Advertising/Business Management
- Residential Facilities - Ruben Lopez, Math/Social Studies