A middle school teacher from Deer Creek Schools is Oklahoma’s 2020 Teacher of the Year. Jena Nelson teaches 7th and 8th grade English composition and academic enhancement at Deer Creek Middle School in Edmond.

A 14-year educator who has taught two years at Deer Creek Middle School, Nelson openly speaks about past childhood trauma and how it influenced her future.

“To say that I didn’t have a great home life would be an understatement. I was very much like some of the students we see today in our classroom. I was angry. I lashed out. I was defiant. I very much wanted a place to feel safe and cared for outside of my trauma-filled home, and I found that place in school,” Nelson said. “I have done things that I never imagined, and it’s all because teachers believed in me. That is why I am in the classroom today. I’m here to give what was given to me – a chance.”

As the 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Nelson will remain in the classroom, so she can continue to inspire her students, colleagues and community every day. Some of her other duties under the title will include speaking engagements and serving as Oklahoma’s ambassador of teaching.

She was chosen by judges from 12 finalists of whom were Teachers of the Year for their district. Each teacher submitted a video as part of the application process.

The other state Teacher of the Year finalists are:

  • Cara Bowerman, Edmond North High School, Edmond Public Schools
  • Debbie Carlisle, Clinton High School, Clinton Public Schools
  • Kirbey Dietzel, Jenks East Intermediate School, Jenks Public Schools
  • Terri Guthridge, Grove High School, Grove Public Schools
  • Lesa Hefner, Duncan High School, Duncan Public Schools
  • Elizabeth Hoggatt, Norman High School, Norman Public Schools
  • Patricia Lightfoot, Weatherford Middle School, Weatherford Public Schools
  • Michelle Rahn, Will Rogers Middle School, Claremore Public Schools
  • Kari Rhoden, Oologah Lower Elementary, Oologah-Talala Public Schools
  • Cassandra Stauder, Dewey High School, Dewey Public Schools
  • Katie Thompson, Shawnee Early Childhood Center, Shawnee Public Schools