Five of the 12 finalist for Teacher of the Year in Oklahoma are from the Tulsa metro area. They are:

Shannon Altom, 11th Grade English Language Arts Teacher, Bixby High School (Bixby Public Schools)

“My basic philosophy of teaching is that every student has the ability to learn and to reach the best possible outcome for themselves. They will thrive if met with the encouragement to try, a sincerity of purpose, a sense of humor to lighten the atmosphere, and a mutually respectful relationship. This is the environment I strive to create in my classroom every day.”

Cindy Johnson, 10th-12th Grade Mathematics Teacher

Collinsville High School (Collinsville Public Schools)

“There are many rewards in teaching! One is hearing my students mention that they enjoy coming to my classroom. I strive to make my students’ time a comfortable experience every day. I want them to know that I am always here for them no matter what they need. Greater rewards are seeing my students graduate and move on to being successful in the world.”

Rebecka Peterson, 10th-12th Grade Mathematics Teacher

Union High School (Union Public Schools)

“Teaching high school was never part of the plan. This job found me, not the other way around. However, aside from my family, this job offered me my life’s greatest gift: It revealed my purpose and exposed a passion I cannot deny. I feel alive when I am with my students. I love who I am when I am with them. This job is my calling.”

Shelley Self, Ninth-12th Grade Art Teacher

Coweta High School (Coweta Public Schools)

“We have to find new, innovative ways to engage our students and provide the means to provide motivation along with learning. We live in a digital world, and we must embrace and bridge these learning gaps. We have to provide opportunities to explore with both new and traditional methods. Teachers need to become collaborators with their students and help them find the passion and confidence for success.”

Lauren Vandever, Seventh Grade Reading Teacher

Bristow Middle School (Bristow Public Schools)

“Teaching is like climbing a mountain. We have to rely on our own strength to get to the peak, but we also have to be willing to care for the mountain on our way to the top to create a rewarding experience for those who come next.”

The 2021 winner will be named in March.