The Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Foundation sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 6, 2026) – In a night dedicated to celebrating excellence in education, Karlie Minson was named the 2026 Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) District Teacher of the Year at the Stars of Education event on May 6. Hosted by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation in partnership with OKCPS, the annual event recognizes the educators, principals and support staff whose leadership and commitment are driving student success across the district.
Ms. Minson, who serves as a 7th grade math teacher at Southeast Middle School, was named 2026 OKCPS Teacher of the Year recognized for her commitment to student success through intentionality, collaboration, and care. Throughout her seven years, at OKCPS, she has built a reputation for student mentorship, instructional excellence, and a genuine dedication to the teaching profession.
“My mom is a teacher. She showed me how to go above and beyond for her students, so I have taken that into my classroom as well,” shared Minson in her acceptance remarks. “Teachers, keep showing up. You are important! Keep sharing your passion for learning with others and doing what is best for students.”
The 2026 finalists included:
- Hannah Briscoe – Media Specialist, Van Buren Elementary School
- Quinette Bulls – K-3rd Grade Elementary General Education Teacher (St. Anthony’s), Extended Educational Services
- Laura Hughes – Pre-K Teacher, Heronville Elementary School
- Charlotte Jackson – 2nd Grade and Special Education Teacher, Arthur Elementary School
- Leah Mejia – Pre-K Special Education Teacher, Coolidge Elementary School
- Karlie Minson – 7th Grade Math Teacher, Southeast Middle School
- Lisa O’Nan – 10th and 12th Grade English Teacher, Northwest Classen High School
- Lauren Peck-Weisenfels – 9th-12th Grade Drama Teacher, Classen SAS High School at Northeast
- Jennifer Vernon – 1st Grade Early Childhood Teacher, Mark Twain Elementary School
“We’re proud to celebrate Ms. Minson, all of our finalists, and the other incredible honorees recognized tonight. Every day, each of them brings extraordinary talent, passion, and purpose to their classrooms, students, and schools,” said Kendra Horn, President and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “Their unwavering commitment to the 31,000 students who call OKCPS home builds the confidence, connection and critical thinking skills that fuel student success. We’re also deeply grateful to the donors and partners who make these celebrations possible. Nights like this remind us that when we invest in great educators, principals, and support staff we’re investing in the future of Oklahoma City.”
The District Teacher of the Year is selected through a competitive process among school site Teachers of the Year which includes a written portfolio, evaluation of a classroom lesson, and an in-person interview. Finalists are scored on their instructional excellence, classroom culture, and demonstrated impact on student achievement.
“Our teachers represent the very best of Oklahoma City Public Schools,” said Dr. Jamie Polk, OKCPS Superintendent. “They embody excellence in the classroom, innovation in their practice, and leadership that lifts up both students and colleagues. Each day, they remind us that strong schools are built by great teachers who believe in what is possible for every child. Congratulations to Ms. Minson and to all of our outstanding educators across Team OKCPS. Because of your commitment, our students are thriving, our families choose our schools with confidence, and our district continues to be a place where educators are proud to serve.”
In addition to recognizing outstanding teachers, Stars of Education honored principals, STEM educators and support staff who have made a significant and lasting impact on OKCPS:
OKCPS Foundation Principal of the Year Awards, made possible by TTCU Federal Credit Union
- Elementary Principal of the Year: Melissa Brett, Principal at Coolidge Elementary School
- Secondary Principal of the Year: Kevin Jones, Principal at Douglass High School
Winners received a $5,000 cash award and a $1,000 credit for a school project.
Barbary Ann Norman Keith Excellence in Math Teaching Award
- Jacqueline Bailey, 3rd – 4th Grade Math Teacher at Mark Twain Elementary School
Winner received a $2,500 cash award and a$2,500 DonorsChoose gift card for a classroom project.
Willie O. Reynolds Excellence in Science Teaching Award
- Steven Miller, 5th Grade Science Teacher at Taft Middle School
Winner received a $2,500 cash award and a $2,500 DonorsChoose gift card for classroom projects.
OKCPS Support Staff Spotlight Awards, In Memory of Linda Brasuell
- Yen (Anne) Hoang, Nurse at Arthur Elementary School
- Cliff Sheriff, Bus Driver at Esperanza Elementary/OKCPS Transportation
- Karen Waddell, Principal Secretary at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School
Winners received a $1,000 cash award.
To learn more about OKCPS and the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, visit www.okcps.org and www.okckids.com.
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