MPS Announces District Teacher of the Year 

Contact: Kirk Wilson, Director of Communications FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel. (405)376-7919

Email: WilsonJo@mustangps.org 

Date: 04/20/23

Mustang Public Schools Announces District Teacher of the Year 

(Mustang, Oklahoma – April 20, 2023) – Mustang Public Schools (MPS) held a celebration tonight honoring numerous staff including those who received grants, those who have completed advanced degrees, staff who are celebrating 5 year incremental milestones, and retiring staff; but the culmination was recognition of Canyon Ridge Intermediate Teacher Holly Jackson who took home top honors as the 2022-23 MPS District Teacher of the Year.  

Following the announcement at the celebration event, the District took to social media to celebrate her.  "In and out of the classroom, [Holly] positively impacts and influences everyone around her,” according to Canyon Ridge Intermediate (CRI) Head Principal Kathy Blackwell.  “She models kindness, creativity, flexibility, and the JOY of working with children and teaching every day. In the classroom, she engages students in creative, active, highly effective lessons as she makes history come alive! Holly’s teaching is rigorous, active, engaging and such fun! Most importantly, Holly is SHAPING future generations as she builds relationships with students, helps them build relationships with each other, creates a sense of community, and fosters great compassion & understanding! There is NO mission of greater importance." 

Holly’s colleague Cheryl Snowden who teaches Science and GATE at CRI said "Mrs. Jackson has a passion for American History by learning all that she can. She is continually reading, researching, and attending workshops like Colonial Williamsburg to immerse herself into her love of history. With these experiences, | have seen her bring this new knowledge into her classroom to give her students lifelong memories about what they are learning. Be it from creating simulations of how history played out back in the day, staking out life size ships outdoors to show their actual size, to dressing up in period clothing to teach lessons during afterschool programs, these are just a few ways Mrs. Jackson shares her joy of history with her students." 

“We had seventeen deserving candidates for our District Teacher of the Year,” Superintendent Charles Bradley said.  “The [Teacher of the Year] committee really had their work cut out for them, but in the end, Mrs. Jackson was their nominee, and we could not be more proud.” 

Holly graduated from Putnam City West High School in 2000 before venturing to the University of Central Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education; she began her teaching career with Mustang in 2005.

“As an educator, I strive to make connections that will outlast the short time students spend in my classroom,” Jackson said.  “My greatest contribution to any student’s education is to truly see them.  I want students who pass through my classes to know that they are seen and valued.  My heart’s desire is to make a lasting impression on minds that are so very impressionable.  Each day I seek to model patience, respect, kindness, and joy for my students and colleagues alike.”  

A parent of one of Mrs. Jackson’s students, Ryan Summers, wrote in a letter of recommendation that "Mrs. Jackson has trustworthy experience. What makes her so successful is that she is able to leverage all of her experiences together which allows her to share great wisdom. Whether it is advice on pre-teen dating to a group of concerned parents at church, connecting to her students, or helping another mom understand her own daughter, she touches people not only with her head knowledge, but heart knowledge. I am grateful to call Mrs. Jackson friend and grateful she is teaching my son. We need more teachers like Mrs. Jackson!" 

“We are very proud of all of our seventeen candidates, and are fortunate to have them as representatives of Mustang Public Schools,” Superintendent Bradley said.  “The excellence that they exhibit each day, their caring for our students, and their willingness to go above and beyond are the epitome of what it means to be a Mustang Bronco.”  

 

2022-23 MPS Teachers of the Year were eligible for the District TOTY Honor:

Congratulations to the sixteen teachers who have been named Teachers of the Year for Mustang Public Schools! These educators have been chosen for their dedication, passion, and outstanding contributions to their students and their respective schools.

Piper Eaton	Valley
Hannah Naff	MMS
Cathy Botts	Centennial Elementary
Sheryl Whitehead	Mustang Elementary
Samantha Hood	Horizon
Caitlin Walker; Chad Long	Mustang High School
Marcelina Sutton	Meadow Brook Intermediate
Cole McCathern	Mustang Trails
Kristen Lubin	MEC
Holly Jackson	Canyon Ridge Intermediate
Roberta Roberts	Mustang North Middle School
Brandy Hackett	Mustang Central Middle School
Brandy Wauters	Lakehoma
Natalie Parker	Riverwood
Bobbie Williams	PV
Danielle Collett	Mustang Creek

Each of these teachers has a talent for making complex subjects accessible and engaging, and has created a positive and supportive learning environment in their classrooms. They have also been instrumental in implementing innovative teaching strategies and incorporating new technologies to enhance the learning experience.

 

In addition to their work in the classroom, these teachers have been leaders in their school communities, organizing extracurricular activities and serving as mentors to their colleagues. They have also been active in professional development opportunities, staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in education.

 

We are honored to have such talented and dedicated teachers as a part of our team, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.

 

About Mustang Public Schools

The Mustang Public School District covers over 72 square miles in Oklahoma and Canadian counties with the City of Mustang at its center. The district is the largest employer in Canadian County, with more than 1,600 certified and support employees. Voted one of Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces for the past two years, the school district offers a comprehensive compensation package for full-time employees, in addition to a satisfying working environment. There are eight (soon to be nine) elementary schools (grades PreK-4), three intermediate centers (grades 5-6), three middle schools (grades 7-8), one high school (grades 9-12), and an educational center which houses pre-kindergarten and alternative education.

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