Highland Park - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Courtney Parks
Libary Media Specialist

SPS Service: (2006-2010) (2017-Present)

Why do you love teaching in Stillwater?
Answer coming soon.  

What was your favorite subject in school?
Math was always my favorite subject, but I also enjoyed reading, hence becoming a librarian.  

Watch her find out!

Richmond - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Zach Boydston
Physical Education

Oklahoma State University, Class of 2019

SPS Service: (2018-Present)

Why do you love teaching?
"I really enjoy teaching students new skills and having the opportunity to introduce them to new experiences they may not get outside of school. I'm also very fortunate to work with colleagues that make coming to work a ton of fun!"

Watch him find out!

Sangre Ridge - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Hannah Day
Kindergarten

Oklahoma State University, 2019 - Early Childhood Education
Master's Degree from Southern Nazarene University in Education Leadership.

SPS Service: (2019-Present)

1. Why do you love Stillwater, or teaching, or teaching in Stillwater?
   "I love teaching in Stillwater because of the relationships.Over the years, I have formed special and lasting connections with students, parents, and peers. I truly value knowing families by name and need, along with the irreplaceable friendships I've developed with my teaching teams. I appreciate the supportive leadership at every level, which genuinely strives for the best outcomes for teachers and students alike. Stillwater is a town like no other and I feel lucky to be a part of the team of educators that impacts its future each and every day."

What was your favorite subject/class in school?
I loved all of my English classes, but specifically AP English 3 and 4!

Watch her find out!

Skyline - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Annie Ortiz
Enrichment

Oklahoma State University

SPS Service: (1987-Present)

Why do you like teaching in Stillwater?
"I LOVE Stillwater. When I leave, I always find myself smiling on the return home. It has a diverse community with many opportunities and great schools. It is what drew us here and what keeps us here."

What was your favorite subject/class in school?
"My favorite subject in elementary school was reading. We had book clubs every week where we poured over books and talked about what we read. After elementary school it was all math. Any class I could take!! Calculus = love :) "

Watch her find out!

Will Rogers - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Karen Holman
Third Grade

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Social Studies

SPS Service (2023-Present)

Why do you love teaching in Stillwater?
When we moved to Stillwater 17 years ago, it was meant to be a short 6-month stay. Instead, we stayed and have raised our children here and see Stillwater as home. Being a teacher at Will Rogers only adds to that feeling of home! The comradery among my fellow teachers and staff and the overall unity makes coming to work every day a pleasure.  There is no place I would rather teach!

What was your favorite subject/class in school?
My favorite subject is, and always has been, math.  Even now, I love exploring new ways to teach math, and I love helping my students discover the “Hey, I CAN do this!” attitude for learning.

Watch her find out!

Westwood - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Caleb Davis
Fifth Grade

SPS Service (2021-Present)

Watch him find out!

Stillwater Middle School - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Rebekah Jimenez
ELL Teacher

California State University, Sacramento.

SPS Service: (2021-Present)

Watch her find out!

SJHS - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Madeline El ouarraqe
Special Services

SPS Service (2021-Present)

Watch her find out!

Stillwater High School - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Michael Porter
Math

Oklahoma State University

SPS Service: (1991-Present)

Why do you love teaching in Stillwater?
I love teaching at Stillwater High School. It is the place to be. We definitely promote a family atmosphere here. Everyone looks to help and support each other. The High School is an outstanding place to work.

Watch him find out!

Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Carmen Ryan
Special Services

BA in Business Management from Bethel University
MA in Teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University 

SPS Service: (2016-Present)

Watch her find out!

Lincoln Alternative Academy - 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year

Scott Peterman
Social Studies

Oklahoma State University

SPS Service: (2002-Present)

Watch him find out!