The ten finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year were recognized Friday during a ceremony at the State Capitol, hosted by House Common Education Chairman Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber. During the ceremony, each finalist was presented with a check provided by the Masonic Charity Foundation. 

Earlier that day, Lowe joined other members of the 2026 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year selection committee for interviews with the ten finalists. He praised the finalists for their dedication to students and communities across the state. 

"It’s an honor to recognize these outstanding educators who are making a real difference in the lives of Oklahoma students every single day," Lowe said. "The impact of these educators reaches far beyond test scores and directly shapes the character of and opportunities for the next generation. They continually serve with excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their students. I’m grateful for their service to our state, and I’m proud to celebrate the example they set for educators across Oklahoma."

Senate Education Committee and Education Subcommittee Chair Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, also offered his congratulations.

"I am incredibly proud to celebrate these ten remarkable educators who represent the very best of their profession," Pugh said. "These finalists have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students, their communities and the future of our state. Oklahoma educators are second to none, and it is their dedication in the classroom every day that builds the foundation for our children’s success. Since taking office, my primary motivation has been improving education at every level. We have fought for historic teacher pay raises and common-sense reforms because we know that nothing can replace a high-quality, dedicated teacher in front of the classroom. To our 2026 finalists, I thank you for your passion and for being shining examples of excellence in Oklahoma schools. You have earned this distinction and I applaud your continued efforts."

 The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be named in June.

The ten finalists are:

• 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