OKLAHOMA CITY — State Superintendent Lindel Fields has announced the 10 finalists for the 2026 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators from across the state who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to their school communities. The winner will be announced at the Teacher of the Year Gala in June.
“Oklahoma educators are second to none, and these 10 teachers represent the best of the best,” said Superintendent Lindel Fields. “I am incredibly proud of these educators. I hope all Oklahomans can join me in celebrating this accomplishment and expressing our support and appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to our students.”
— Lindel Fields, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Finalists:
Vanessa Jones | Bethel High School, Bethel
Serena Neely | Will Rogers Elementary, Shawnee
Tracie Grunewald | Oklahoma Virtual High School, Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy
Tobi Gordon | Brink Junior High School, Moore
Mary Tyree | Alva High School, Alva
Ellie Pryor | Cedar Heights, Highland Park, and Horace Mann Elementary, Woodward
LeeAnn Pressler | Central Middle School, Bartlesville
Kasey Bennett | Northwest Heights Elementary, Durant
Keely Flynn | Lindbergh Elementary, Tulsa Public Schools
Elizabeth Reed | Owasso Eighth Grade Center, Owasso
To read more about the 2026–2027 State Teacher of the Year Finalists, click here.
Gabriel Hernandez • Feb 13, 2026 at 9:07 am
Mr Miller should have been one of the finalists