News

During surprise visits to schools, Superintendent Ebony Johnson, TCTA President Shawna Mott-Wright, and AFT Local 6049 President Nancy Leonard surprised ten members of Team Tulsa with the news that they have been named as finalists for 2025 Teacher of the Year or 2025 Support Professional of the Year.

The district’s five 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists are: Keely Flynn from Lindbergh Elementary, Tamora Henderson from Bell Elementary, Haley Newby from Hawthorne Elementary, Jillian Swets from McLain High School, and Erin Tresch from Booker T. Washington High School.

Keely Flynn teaches physical education at Lindbergh Elementary. She joined Team Tulsa as a paraprofessional six years ago after working in the corporate world for 15 years. In addition to her role as P.E. teacher, the clubs Keely has started at the school center on helping students focus and self-regulate through movement. 

Tamora Henderson is a kindergarten teacher at Bell Elementary. In her two years at Bell, she has focused on building a strong foundation for students in their education journey. She said teaching with love and care is more impactful, and it is important to go beyond what textbooks are able to provide.

Haley Newby teaches second grade at Hawthorne Elementary. This is her sixth year working for Tulsa Public Schools and her second at Hawthorne. She is a TPS alumnus who comes from a family of educators. She said her classroom is like a family, and she ensures everyone feels included and safe to learn.

Jillian Swets is a career tech teacher at McLain High School. She joined the team five years ago teaching math and science and now teaches hydroponics, renewable energy, and Google tools. She uses her passion for environmental advocacy to develop the program and get students involved in hands-on STEM learning.

Erin Tresch teaches AP US History and Anthropology at Booker T. Washington High School. She previously worked in child welfare before making the switch to education four years ago to help get students excited about history and engaging in the world around them. She is a Booker T. graduate and said teaching there feels like home.

The district’s 2025 Support Professionals of the Year finalists are: Melissa Deroin from Eugene Field Elementary, Tana Griffin from Carnegie Elementary, Shionka McGlory from Unity Learning Academy, Nia Poole from Lanier Elementary, and Bobbi Richins from Edison Preparatory.

Melissa Deroin is a teacher’s assistant at Eugene Field Elementary. In her position, she helps the reading interventionist by gathering students for reading sessions and covers classes when needed. She said she began working at Eugene Field two years ago because her kids attended school there, but chose to stay because she believes in the school and the work they all do.

Tana Griffin is the health assistant at Carnegie Elementary. She has served students in this role for 20 years. She said in her time at the school, she has learned to be patient and open-minded as she works to make a difference in students’ lives. Her coworkers praised how great she is with students and said she is always smiling.

Shionka McGlory is the parent involvement facilitator at Unity Learning Academy. She has worked for Tulsa Public Schools for nine years, having started as a teacher’s assistant and moving into her current position three years ago. She said she strives to be the person she needed when she was younger for the students she works with now.

Nia Poole is the clerk at Lanier Elementary. She joined the team two years ago to help make a positive change in her community. She said communication, patience, and a sense of humor are important skills in her job. She enjoys seeing the unique personalities of all the students and interacting with them throughout the day.

Bobbi Richins is the principal’s secretary at Edison Preparatory Middle and High School. She has worked for Tulsa Public Schools for 17 years, and 11 of those have been at Edison. She has held many jobs in Tulsa Public Schools and said she has loved them all. She enjoys helping students in their pursuit of education in any way she can.

The Tulsa Public Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year and Support Professional of the Year will be announced at a special event in May.

Click here to view photos from the Teacher of the Year finalist surprises, and click here to view the Support Professional of the Year surprises.