Four teachers from around Oakland County could receive a surprise visitor to their classrooms in a few weeks
They will be among the 65 teachers from 22 school districts who have been nominated for the Oakland County Teacher of the Year award.
For the 2025 awards there is a new category for Early Childhood teachers along with elementary, middle/junior high, and high school teachers.
“Early childhood educators lay the foundation for a child’s entire educational journey,” said Dawn Koger, Oakland Schools director of early childhood. “This new category recognizes their incredible dedication, highlights their critical role, and celebrates their lasting impact on students’ lives.”
Early Childhood nominees must be certified, full-time teachers in a public school or Great Start Readiness Program in Oakland County. Junior Kindergarten programs also fall under the elementary category.
Each district may submit one nominee in each of the four categories:
Early Childhood (Before Junior Kindergarten)
Elementary (Junior Kindergarten – 5th grade)
Middle School (6th grade – 8th grade)
High School (9th grade – 12th grade)
Nominations are coordinated by the teacher’s principal and supported by current or former students, parents and colleagues and judged by a committee that includes representatives from Oakland Schools, education leaders, and community members.
The 2024 winners were:
Elementary Teacher of the Year – Norman Wright, Orion Oaks Elementary, Lake Orion Community Schools.
Middle School Teacher of the Year – Molly Darnell, Oxford Virtual Academy, Oxford Community Schools.
High School Teacher of the Year – Shannon Graham, Lamphere High School, Lamphere Public Schools.
The award includes a $2,000 prize from the Oakland Schools Education Foundation to each winner, who will be announced in mid-March and recognized at a special event on May 8.
“Teaching it is not an easy profession and requires a lot of heart and dedication and they do it because they love it,” Foundation Executive Director Andrea Berry. “Teachers have been asked to take on more and more roles than before, so we feel it is important to let them know that they are recognized and appreciated for all of the hard work that they do.”
For more information go to: https://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/student-programs/otoy.