Enid High School's Teacher of the Year is Nikki Salinas!
Ms. Salinas is an English teacher at EHS and also works with AP Seminar students. She loves building relations with students that last well beyond graduation. She says, "I love the laughter in the halls, the lightbulb moments, and the small, everyday joys that make this work a gift. If anything, this recognition is just another way to celebrate the people who've helped me grow and the students who keep me inspired."
Congratulations Ms. Salinas, we appreciate your dedication to our Plainsmen and Pacers!
Ms. Salinas is an English teacher at EHS and also works with AP Seminar students. She loves building relations with students that last well beyond graduation. She says, "I love the laughter in the halls, the lightbulb moments, and the small, everyday joys that make this work a gift. If anything, this recognition is just another way to celebrate the people who've helped me grow and the students who keep me inspired."
Congratulations Ms. Salinas, we appreciate your dedication to our Plainsmen and Pacers!
We're thrilled to introduce you to Waller Middle School's Teacher of the Year, Helen Beck!
Ms. Beck is the Discovering Technology teacher at Waller and enjoys being able to reach all levels of middle schools students. She says, "Teaching is about those quiet moments in our classrooms that never make headlines. It's about the students who finally believe in themselves, the lesson that creates the “lightbulb moment”, the relationships that we build day by day."
Congratulations Ms. Beck!
Ms. Beck is the Discovering Technology teacher at Waller and enjoys being able to reach all levels of middle schools students. She says, "Teaching is about those quiet moments in our classrooms that never make headlines. It's about the students who finally believe in themselves, the lesson that creates the “lightbulb moment”, the relationships that we build day by day."
Congratulations Ms. Beck!
Art & Gaming Concepts teacher, Brandon Beichler, is Longfellow Middle School's Teacher of the Year!
Mr. Beichler is dedicated to combining creativity and knowledge in his classroom. He says, "All students deserve a loving home in education. Students deserve to explore a multitude of subjects in this home in order to find and fall in love with something about learning."
Mr. Beichler is dedicated to combining creativity and knowledge in his classroom. He says, "All students deserve a loving home in education. Students deserve to explore a multitude of subjects in this home in order to find and fall in love with something about learning."
Congratulations to Emerson Middle Schools Teacher of the Year, Laryssa Haskell!
Ms. Haskell is a band teacher and love sharing her love of music with our students. She says, "I enjoy having the opportunity to share my appreciation for music with my students while also instilling hard work and discipline through my expectations and procedures in the classroom."
Thank you for building musical foundations with our students, Ms. Haskell!
Ms. Haskell is a band teacher and love sharing her love of music with our students. She says, "I enjoy having the opportunity to share my appreciation for music with my students while also instilling hard work and discipline through my expectations and procedures in the classroom."
Thank you for building musical foundations with our students, Ms. Haskell!
Taft Elementary is excited to present their Teacher of the Year, Ryan Gantt!
She says, "The relationships that we foster over the school year have a direct impact on the growth that my students achieve. As much as I enjoy the growth of my students and understand the importance of that growth, the relationships that I form with each of my students are just as important to me."
Thank you for building connections with our Taft Tigers!!
She says, "The relationships that we foster over the school year have a direct impact on the growth that my students achieve. As much as I enjoy the growth of my students and understand the importance of that growth, the relationships that I form with each of my students are just as important to me."
Thank you for building connections with our Taft Tigers!!
We're excited to share this year's Prairie View Teacher of the Year, Caroline Thornton!
Mrs. Thornton has dedicated 14 years to EPS and loves teaching elementary students. She says, "I love creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The little moments matter most to me - the smiles, the breakthroughs, the pride they feel when they accomplish something they once thought was too hard. Those moments remind me every day why I chose to become a teacher."
Thank you for the love you give our Prairie View Buffalo, Mrs. Thornton!
Congratulations to Monroe's Teacher of the Year, Nancy Smith!
Ms. Smith is a Speech Language Pathologist and love teaching children how to communicate in and outside of the classroom. She says, "It takes the whole educational team to build communication skills in our students, to provide what they need for success. These abilities will positively affect academics, social interactions, life-skills, and future professional achievements."
Ms. Smith is a Speech Language Pathologist and love teaching children how to communicate in and outside of the classroom. She says, "It takes the whole educational team to build communication skills in our students, to provide what they need for success. These abilities will positively affect academics, social interactions, life-skills, and future professional achievements."
McKinley Elementary Teacher of the Year is Maggie Sanchez!
Ms. Sanchez is a Kindergarten teacher and loves building the educational foundation of our little learners. Her message to fellow teachers is: "I would say: never underestimate the impact you have. The smallest moments, a kind word, a patient gesture, a spark of encouragement can change a child’s life."
Thank you for your commitment to our young McKinley Cardinals!
Ms. Sanchez is a Kindergarten teacher and loves building the educational foundation of our little learners. Her message to fellow teachers is: "I would say: never underestimate the impact you have. The smallest moments, a kind word, a patient gesture, a spark of encouragement can change a child’s life."
Thank you for your commitment to our young McKinley Cardinals!
Congratulations to Hoover Elementary Teacher of the Year, Carly Maly!
Mrs. Maly is a counselor and love making real life connections with students. She says, "Connection allows us to break down barriers both emotionally and academically. I value knowing each of my students and their families while supporting them in and out of the classroom through these connections."
We love her devotion to our Hoover Hornets!
Mrs. Maly is a counselor and love making real life connections with students. She says, "Connection allows us to break down barriers both emotionally and academically. I value knowing each of my students and their families while supporting them in and out of the classroom through these connections."
We love her devotion to our Hoover Hornets!
Hayes Elementary Teacher of the Year is Madison Soferr!
Mrs. Soferr teaches music to our Hayes Hawks. She says, "I am proud to teach in a district that values its educators and students and is always striving for better, and I am honored to have been chosen to represent my fellow teachers. I am inspired every day by my colleagues across the district and I look forward to continuing to do the best I can for our students."
Thank you for your dedication to EPS, Mrs. Soferr!
Mrs. Soferr teaches music to our Hayes Hawks. She says, "I am proud to teach in a district that values its educators and students and is always striving for better, and I am honored to have been chosen to represent my fellow teachers. I am inspired every day by my colleagues across the district and I look forward to continuing to do the best I can for our students."
Thank you for your dedication to EPS, Mrs. Soferr!
We're excited to introduce Glenwood's Teacher of the Year, Marisa Burrell!
Mrs. Burrell gives this message to her community:
"Our community benefits immensely when we all take a vested interest in the growth of each individual student both academically and emotionally. Seek to do your best to change the world one day at a time, one student at a time. "
Congratulations Mrs. Burrell!
Mrs. Burrell gives this message to her community:
"Our community benefits immensely when we all take a vested interest in the growth of each individual student both academically and emotionally. Seek to do your best to change the world one day at a time, one student at a time. "
Congratulations Mrs. Burrell!
Congratulations to Garfield Elementary Teacher of the Year, Charla Harris!
She says, "I enjoy watching my students learn new skills and being proud of their accomplishments. When they work hard to learn something and they master it, they are so excited, and I am too!"
Thank you for your dedication Ms. Harris!
She says, "I enjoy watching my students learn new skills and being proud of their accomplishments. When they work hard to learn something and they master it, they are so excited, and I am too!"
Thank you for your dedication Ms. Harris!
Our next Teacher of the Year is from Eisenhower Elementary, Frances Mochon.
Ms. Mochon teaches 2nd grade Eisenhower Eagles, saying, "At the heart of every school is a community that believes in the future. We don't just teach - we encourage, support, and help our students feel safe and seen."
Congratulations Ms. Mochon!
Ms. Mochon teaches 2nd grade Eisenhower Eagles, saying, "At the heart of every school is a community that believes in the future. We don't just teach - we encourage, support, and help our students feel safe and seen."
Congratulations Ms. Mochon!
You're invited to the Enid Public Schools Teacher Career fair!
Thursday, March 26
Meet & Greet: 4–4:45 p.m.
Extended Interviews: 4:45–6 p.m.
Administrative Services Center, 500 S. Independence
EPS is looking for outstanding teachers for the 2026-27 school year! Get to know our administrators and learn more about our district.
Don’t forget copies of your resume because principals will be scheduling extended interviews with candidates.
There is a $2,000 signing bonus for Standard Certification in Early Childhood, Special Education, Secondary Math, Secondary Science & World Language Teachers.
Learn more and apply at www.enidpublicschools.org/applytoday!
Thursday, March 26
Meet & Greet: 4–4:45 p.m.
Extended Interviews: 4:45–6 p.m.
Administrative Services Center, 500 S. Independence
EPS is looking for outstanding teachers for the 2026-27 school year! Get to know our administrators and learn more about our district.
Don’t forget copies of your resume because principals will be scheduling extended interviews with candidates.
There is a $2,000 signing bonus for Standard Certification in Early Childhood, Special Education, Secondary Math, Secondary Science & World Language Teachers.
Learn more and apply at www.enidpublicschools.org/applytoday!
Congratulations to Coolidge Elementary Teacher of the Year, Austin Miles!
Mr. Miles teaches Kindergarten and shared, "Each child is worthy of love, respect, and educational opportunities that will nurture their entire being. We must do our best as educators, families, and community members to provide safe environments of joy and creativity for every child in our care."
Thank you for your devotion to our Coolidge Colts!
Mr. Miles teaches Kindergarten and shared, "Each child is worthy of love, respect, and educational opportunities that will nurture their entire being. We must do our best as educators, families, and community members to provide safe environments of joy and creativity for every child in our care."
Thank you for your devotion to our Coolidge Colts!
Enid Public Schools is thrilled to introduce you to our building-level Teachers of the Year leading up to the Education Celebration on March 4!
We're kicking off with Serah Watson from Adams Elementary! She says:
"I have a deep passion for teaching and genuinely love the time I spend working with children. My goal is to leave a positive imprint on every student, whether through teaching, providing support, or compassion."
Thank you for your dedication Ms. Watson!
The public is invited to honor the teachers and support professionals who make a difference in our schools at the annual Education Celebration!
5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4
Enid High School Gymnasium
611 W. Wabash
The event includes the announcement of the 2025-26 EPS Teacher of the Year, Support Professional of the Year, & Rookie of the Year.
Sponsored by the Enid Public School Foundation.
5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4
Enid High School Gymnasium
611 W. Wabash
The event includes the announcement of the 2025-26 EPS Teacher of the Year, Support Professional of the Year, & Rookie of the Year.
Sponsored by the Enid Public School Foundation.
Congratulations to this year's Rookie of the Year Finalists!
Gabriella Cotarelo, Enid High Freshman English Teacher
Abigail Gregory, Prairie View Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
Jennilee Hockmeyer, Waller Middle School Science Teacher
These teachers are new to the classroom but truly excelling in educating children and being a dedicated team member at their schools! We appreciate how they have dedicated themselves to being the best educators they can be to our EPS students.
They will be honored at the Education Celebration on March 4 where the district Rookie Teacher of the Year will be announced, as well as the Teacher and Support Professional of the Year.
Gabriella Cotarelo, Enid High Freshman English Teacher
Abigail Gregory, Prairie View Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
Jennilee Hockmeyer, Waller Middle School Science Teacher
These teachers are new to the classroom but truly excelling in educating children and being a dedicated team member at their schools! We appreciate how they have dedicated themselves to being the best educators they can be to our EPS students.
They will be honored at the Education Celebration on March 4 where the district Rookie Teacher of the Year will be announced, as well as the Teacher and Support Professional of the Year.
We're so excited to introduce you to our 2026 Support Professional of the Year Finalists:
Teresa Chavez, Special Education Department Secretary at Enid High
Joy Coleman, Spanish Liaison at Longfellow Middle School
Amber Fleming, Teachers Aide at Prairie View Elementary
These individuals represent the district to the highest degree, going beyond their duties at their schools to dedicating their time to coaching, student tutoring, uplifting the staff around them, and so much more. We are proud to have them be members of the EPS team!
They will be honored at the Education Celebration on March 4 where the district Support Professional of the Year will be announced, as well as the Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year.
Teresa Chavez, Special Education Department Secretary at Enid High
Joy Coleman, Spanish Liaison at Longfellow Middle School
Amber Fleming, Teachers Aide at Prairie View Elementary
These individuals represent the district to the highest degree, going beyond their duties at their schools to dedicating their time to coaching, student tutoring, uplifting the staff around them, and so much more. We are proud to have them be members of the EPS team!
They will be honored at the Education Celebration on March 4 where the district Support Professional of the Year will be announced, as well as the Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year.
Kayla Dickson, EHS teacher and athletic trainer, was recognized for being named the OCA Region 1 Athletic Trainer of the Year.
