By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Twelve Yukon educators are vying for the school district’s highest teaching honor.
Yukon Public Schools has announced the site “Teachers of the Year” for the 2022-23 school year.
The building winners were recognized during presentations this fall at their respective schools. The honorees’ family members and fellow educators joined them in the recent celebrations.
Having been selected by their peers for this distinction, the 12 teachers have advanced to compete for the YPS Teacher of the Year title.
The YPS district Teacher of the Year finalists are:
- Central Elementary School – Staci Sperry
Sperry is a kindergarten teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University.
- Myers Elementary School – Allison Scott
Scott is a second-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.
- Parkland Elementary School – Kristi Boyanton
Boyanton is a pre-kindergarten teacher with bachelor’s degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
- Ranchwood Elementary School – Cori Stricker
Stricker is a special education teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
- Shedeck Elementary School – Mallory Kozan
Kozan is a third-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.
- Skyview Elementary School – Jennifer Moon
Moon is a second-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
- Surrey Hills Elementary School – Maegan Barnes
Barnes is a kindergarten teacher with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
- Independence Intermediate School – Kaitlyn Wiggins
Wiggins is a sixth-grade math teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University.
- Lakeview Intermediate School – Lena Kofoed
Kofoed is a fourth-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
- Redstone Intermediate School – Stephanie Parker
Parker is a library media consultant with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
- Yukon Middle School – Donna Stamp
Stamp is a special education teacher with a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University.
- Yukon High School School – Dusty Crabtree
Crabtree is an English teacher with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
ANNOUNCEMENT NEXT SPRING
Yukon’s 2023 school district Teacher of the Year will be announced during a special event next spring.
A committee will review portfolios submitted by the 12 site winners and interview the district finalists before selecting the YPS honoree.
Yukon’s 2022 district Teacher of the Year is Tashina Vest, a first-grade teacher at Ranchwood Elementary School.
YPS has had two Oklahoma state Teacher of the Year winners – Rebecca Oglesby in 2019 and Jane Kennedy in 1985.
Eight YPS teachers have been state finalists – Keri Smith in 2020, Kayleen Browning in 2009, Karen Evans in 2004, Julia Wilhite in 2002, Mac DeVilbiss in 1999, Kathy Davis in 1998, Linda Knox in 1996, and Susie Grimes in 1995.
The Yukon school district also honors annual “Rookie Teacher of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” winners each spring.
Yukon’s 2022 Rookie Teacher of the Year is Carlos Ramirez of Yukon High School.
The 2022 Support Employees of the Year are Janis Jordahl of Yukon Middle School and Gaye Jech of Shedeck Elementary School.
