Each year the Oklahoma State Department of Education selects a Teacher of the Year.
Our area has had its fair share of winners.
This year, we had two area educators make the final list of 12: Checotah’s Carol Brinsfield and Muskogee’s Lisa Lamont.
Each of the 12 finalists should be proud to be on the list.
And we are very proud of our area finalists.
A quality education is key to solving so many of society’s issues.
When children receive a great education, they have a much better chance of succeeding in life.
A quality education can help create a strong workforce and cut down on unemployment.
A quality education can help cut issues with the law.
High school graduates have a much better chance of getting and keeping a successful job.
They have an even greater chance at success if they go to college or trade school. That decision can be a direct result of a teacher’s influence.
They have a much better chance of being a productive member of society.
A quality education is not just about learning or memorizing facts or figures.
A good teacher can be the difference between students reaching their potential or being falling between the cracks.
So many successful people can tell you the name of the teacher who inspired them to achieve all they could achieve.
With a quality education, children have a bright future.
We are proud of these finalists as they represent so many other great educators in our area.
Area finalists
Two of the 12 finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year are area educators:
• Carol Brinsfield – is a 3rd- and 4th-grade reading teacher at Checotah Intermediate School with 16 years of experience.
• Lisa Lamont – is a kindergarten teacher at Irving Elementary School in the Muskogee Public Schools District with 13 years experience.
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
