NSU alumni among finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of Year

Three Northeastern State University alumni along with nine other finalists were announced July 23 by State Superintendent Sandy Garrett for 2011 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.

Carol Hunsperger of Grove Lower Elementary School, Lynette Miller of Jenks West Intermediate School and Leesa Dickson of Claremore Westside Elementary School earned degrees at NSU, which has more alumni represented among this year's OTY finalists than any other Oklahoma university.

Hunsperger teaches third grade at Lower Elementary and has worked in Grove Public Schools for her entire 14-year career in education. She graduated from NSU with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and is National Board certified. Her philosophy is that all students can learn no matter their label, nationality or gender.

My goal is for all children to succeed, not just the ones in my class, said Hunsperger. When I find new ideas, programs or strategies, I spread the knowledge to my colleagues.

Miller teaches sixth grade special education, math and language arts at West Intermediate. She has taught in Jenks schools for four years and has been an educator for 19 years. She earned a master's degree in reading from NSU. Students need educators who are innovators, managers, collaborators, excellent communicators and effective practitioners, she believes.

Children of the 21st Century are growing up in an ever-changing and diverse world. As educators, we need to view our classrooms as miniature global societies and recognize that each child has a special gift for learning, said Miller.

Dickson is a reading instructor at Westside Elementary and a 26-year teaching veteran. She has been with Claremore schools for eight years. She holds a bachelor of science and a master of education degree from NSU.

A comprehensive challenge that teachers face today, particularly reading teachers, Dickson says, is a diverse student population with 1 in 5 speaking a language other than English in the home. She approaches lessons with an eye for addressing each students special needs, building their confidence and presenting herself to their parents as always open, accessible and non judgmental.

The finalists were announced on the final day of the Oklahoma Department of Education's 20th annual leadership conference at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Six regional committees comprised of Oklahoma teachers and parents each selected two finalists. A state committee of education, business and civic leaders will choose the winner, which Garrett will announce during ceremonies at the Oklahoma State Fair in September.

The Teacher of the Year will represent Oklahoma in the national TOY competition, receive more than $50,000 in cash and prizes and serve as "Ambassador of Teaching" for a year, giving presentations around the state to teaching and civic groups.