By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
The names of the top finalists have been unveiled in Yukon Public Schools’ annual Teacher of the Year competition.
These three teachers were surprised April 11 in their classrooms:
- Kim Grant, Kindergarten teacher at Parkland Elementary School.
- Erin Lucas, Senior Capstone teacher at Yukon High School.
- Catlin Gardner, 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at Yukon Middle School.
“These exceptional educators have gone above and beyond to inspire, engage, and make a positive impact on their students and our school community,” YPS officials wrote in a social media post. “Join us in celebrating their dedication, hard work, and remarkable contributions.
“Each of these educators represents the best of what Yukon Public Schools stands for – excellence, innovation, and commitment to student success. As we gear up for the final selection, let’s applaud their achievements and the positive influence they have on our future leaders.”
YPS will announce the district’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year winner from the select group of finalists during an upcoming annual celebration. Teacher of the Year Event festivities kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Life Church-Yukon, 1101 E Main.
Attendees will enjoy dinner before YPS principals introduce their Teacher of the Year building representatives.
Grant, Lucas and Gardner are among 12 YPS site winners who were announced last fall. The others are:
- Central Elementary – Kristen Martin (visual arts)
- Myers Elementary – Samantha Pierce (instructional specialist)
- Ranchwood Elementary – Lindsey Willetts (second grade)
- Shedeck Elementary – Lauren Kellett (third grade)
- Skyview Elementary – Aaron Rios (physical education and health)
- Surrey Hills Elementary – Maddison Fletcher (instructional coach)
- Independence Intermediate – Beth Quintana (fourth grade math and science)
- Lakeview Intermediate – Alexis Patric (sixth grade math)
- Redstone Intermediate – Kara Wells (sixth grade math)
These site winners were selected by their peers to represent Yukon’s 12 school sites. They are being profiled in each edition of The Yukon Progress.
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The reigning YPS Teacher of the Year is Stephanie Parker, a library media consultant at Redstone Intermediate School.
The Yukon school district 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.
Meanwhile, the Yukon school district has announced Kensley Mong as Rookie Teacher of the Year and Donna McGee as Support Employee of the Year.
