Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Named

September 16, 2008

Oklahoma City teacher Heather Sparks was named the 2008-09 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year today at a ceremony held at the Oklahoma State Fair. Sparks, an eighth grade algebra and pre-algebra teacher at Oklahoma City's Taft Middle School, was selected for the position from among more than 150 local Teachers of the Year and 12 finalists from across the state.

Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE) was among many event sponsors who presented Sparks with gifts upon her appointment as Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. POE State President Tracy Dakil, of Dibble Public Schools, and State Vice President Esther Bell, of North Rock Creek Public School, presented Sparks with one year of professional services, a commemorative plaque, and a bouquet of roses.

Dakil & Bell also presented commemorative plaques to the 12 finalists, and honored the 5 Rising Star Teachers with POE tote bags.

Finalist and Professional Oklahoma Educators member Betsy Glad, of Union Public School, was also honored with a corsage courtesy of the organization. Glad teaches third grade at Cedar Ridge Elemenatary in Union Public Schools.

Professional Oklahoma Educators members honored as local Teachers of the Year include: