The Oklahoma State Department of Education is expanding the eligibility for the state’s next teacher of the year recognition.

Applications are now open for the 2022 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, and one teacher of the year winner from every school site will be allowed to apply for the award. Previously, the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year was selected from a limited pool of district teachers of the year.

The change is meant to elicit a broader representation of teachers from across the state.  School principals and district superintendents are encouraged to provide teachers the opportunity to participate.

The application packet is due August 31. The next Teacher of the Year will be named in March 2022.