Union Public Schools

Rebecka Peterson, Oklahoma’s State Teacher of the Year, and a math teacher at Union High School, was announced today as one of five finalists for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State Schools Officers.

Rebecka Peterson, Oklahomaundefineds State Teacher of the Year, and a math teacher at Union High School, was announced today as one of five finalists for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State Schools Officers. This is the first time in Union’s history that the district has had a finalist in the top five for CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year.

Peterson was welcomed home by Union students and staff at a special celebration and press conference at 10 a.m. Friday, January 27, at the High School, 6636 S. Mingo.

Peterson is a high school math teacher who is passionate about making math exciting, relevant and accessible to all students. She emphasizes listening to stories and helps administer the “One Good Thing” blog, which has chronicled positive stories from her classroom.

Peterson was named State Teacher of the Year last year after Union Public Schools named Peterson its district Teacher of the Year in 2021.

National Teacher Program logo

About National Teacher of the Year

CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program identifies exceptional teachers across the country, celebrates their work in and outside the classroom, and, through one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities, helps them amplify their voices and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national level.

The four other finalists for 2023 National Teacher of the Year are as follows:

Harlee Harvey, the 2023 Alaska Teacher of the Year, is a first-grade teacher who works to authentically integrate the local Alaska Native Iñupiaq culture and knowledge systems into her lessons.
Carolyn Kielma, the 2023 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, is a high school science teacher who provides a trusted adult ear for students who need help, and who creates an inclusive environment where all students feel valued, accepted and treated with equity.
Jermar Rountree, the 2023 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year, is a preschool through 8th grade physical education and health teacher who emphasizes the importance of teaching mental health along with physical wellness and believes in the importance of involving family and community in all aspects of schooling. Along with being a district-wide leader in physical and mental health education, he has developed relationships with a large variety of community organizations that help support his students to meet their full potential.
Kimberly Radostits, the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year, is a secondary Spanish teacher. She leads a mentoring program for students, utilizing an early warning system to identify struggling students and ensure they’re on track to graduate in four years. She also co-directs a New Teacher Academy for all new hires to the district.

“Teachers across the country have met the extraordinary challenges of the last few years with dedication and ingenuity, helping students recover and setting them up for long-term success. CCSSO is proud to celebrate teachers across the country – from the coast of Alaska to Washington, D.C. and everywhere in between – through the National Teacher of the Year Program,” said CCSSO Chief Executive Officer Carissa Moffat Miller. “Congratulations to the finalists and thank you to the Selection Committee for your work in selecting finalists from among the outstanding 2023 State Teachers of the Year.”

Each year, states, U.S. extra-state territories, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity select outstanding educators to serve as State Teachers of the Year. There are 55 teachers in the 2023 cohort. From that group, the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, comprised of 17 individuals and education organizations, selects finalists based on written applications.

The finalists announced today will conduct interviews with the National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee, and CCSSO will announce the selected 2023 National Teacher of the Year later this spring. The 2023 National Teacher of the Year will spend the next year serving as an ambassador for education and an advocate for all teachers and students. Visit https://ntoy.ccsso.org/national-teacher-of-the-year/ for more information.

Union Public Schools is very proud of Rebecka Peterson, her accomplishments, and her impact on our students. Congratulations! It’s a great day to be a Redhawk!