February 7, 2025
(Oklahoma City, OK) – Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation (OKCPS Foundation) are proud to announce the nine finalists for the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year award. The finalists were chosen for their outstanding dedication, innovation and impact in the classroom. They exemplify excellence across OKCPS, from elementary to high school, through language arts to STEAM to physical and special education. The OKCPS Teacher of the Year will be selected from this group of finalists and announced on May 8 at the OKCPS Foundation’s annual Stars of Education celebration.
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,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk. “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.”
“Teachers are the backbone of OKCPS, and these nine finalists truly represent the best of the best,” said Kendra Horn, President & CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “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.”
Each year, staff at every OKCPS school selects a Site Teacher of the Year. From this exceptional group, each nominee is invited to apply for OKCPS District Teacher of the Year. This rigorous selection process includes a written application, interview, and classroom observation evaluated by a panel of highly qualified educators. The nine finalists will be recognized at the annual Stars of Education event, where the 2025 OKCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced.
This year’s event will take place on May 8, 2025, at The Yale Theater in Oklahoma City. Finalists will receive cash awards and additional prizes generously provided by community partners. The 2025 OKCPS District Teacher of the Year will then go on to represent OKCPS in the Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year competition.
For more information about Stars of Education, visit www.okckids.com.
Photos can be found here.
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Media Contacts:
Crystal Raymond | OKCPS
405.831.1805 | cjraymond@okcps.orgLisa Riley | LM Media
405.401.3593 | lisa@LMmedia.net