YPS names ‘Teacher of the Year’ site winners

12 finalists vying for annual Yukon school district honor

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Mallory Kozan gets a well-deserved hug from a student after being announced as the Teacher of the Year at Shedeck Elementary School. (Photo provided)

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 SchoolStaci Sperry

Sperry is a kindergarten teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University.

  • Myers Elementary SchoolAllison Scott

Scott is a second-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

  • Parkland Elementary SchoolKristi 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 SchoolCori 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 SchoolMallory Kozan

Kozan is a third-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

  • Skyview Elementary SchoolJennifer Moon

Moon is a second-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

  • Surrey Hills Elementary SchoolMaegan Barnes

Barnes is a kindergarten teacher with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

  • Independence Intermediate SchoolKaitlyn Wiggins

Wiggins is a sixth-grade math teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University.

  • Lakeview Intermediate SchoolLena Kofoed

Kofoed is a fourth-grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

  • Redstone Intermediate SchoolStephanie 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 SchoolDonna Stamp

Stamp is a special education teacher with a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University.

  • Yukon High School SchoolDusty Crabtree

Crabtree is an English teacher with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Jennifer Moon is the Teacher of the Year at Skyview Elementary School. (Photo provided)
Allison Scott is the Teacher of the Year at Myers Elementary School. (Photo provided)
Kristi Boyanton is the Teacher of the Year at Parkland Elementary School. (Photo provided)
Cori Stricker is the Teacher of the Year at Ranchwood Elementary School. (Photo provided)
Staci Sperry (center) is the Teacher of the Year at Central Elementary School. (Photo provided)
Maegan Barnes is the Teacher of the Year at Surrey Hills Elementary School. (Photo provided)
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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.

Lena Kofoed is the Teacher of the Year at Lakeview Intermediate School. (Photo provided)
Stephanie Parker is the Teacher of the Year at Redstone Intermediate School. (Photo provided)
Kaitlyn Wiggins is the Teacher of the Year at Independence Elementary School. (Photo provided)
Donna Stamp is the Teacher of the Year at Yukon Middle School. (Photo provided)
Dusty Crabtree is the Teacher of the Year at Yukon High School. (Photo provided)
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