House Media

The ten finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year were recognized Friday during a ceremony at the State Capitol,  hosted by House Common Education Chairman Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber. During the ceremony, each finalist was presented with a check provided by the Masonic Charity Foundation.  Earlier that day, Lowe joined other members of the 2026 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year selection committee for interviews with the ten finalists. He praised the finalists for their dedication to students and communities across the state.  "It’s an honor to recognize these outstanding educators who are making a real difference in the lives of Oklahoma students every single day," Lowe said. "The impact of these educators reaches far beyond test scores and directly shapes the character of and opportunities for the next generation. They continually serve with excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their students. I’m grateful for their service to our state, and I’m proud to celebrate the example they set for educators across Oklahoma." Senate Education Committee and Education Subcommittee Chair Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, also offered his congratulations. "I am incredibly proud to celebrate these ten remarkable educators who represent the very best of their profession," Pugh said. "These finalists have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students, their communities and the future of our state. Oklahoma educators are second to none, and it is their dedication in the classroom every day that builds the foundation for our children’s success. Since taking office, my primary motivation has been improving education at every level. We have fought for historic teacher pay raises and common-sense reforms because we know that nothing can replace a high-quality, dedicated teacher in front of the classroom. To our 2026 finalists, I thank you for your passion and for being shining examples of excellence in Oklahoma schools. You have earned this distinction and I applaud your continued efforts."  The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be named in June. The ten finalists are: Vanessa Jones, Bethel High School, Bethel Serena Neely, Will Rogers Elementary, Shawnee Tracie Grunewald, Oklahoma Virtual High School, Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy Tobi Gordon, Brink Junior High School, Moore Mary Tyree, Alva High School, Alva Ellie Pryor, Cedar Heights, Highland Park, and Horace Mann Elementary, Woodward LeeAnn Pressler, Central Middle School, Bartlesville Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights Elementary, Durant Keely Flynn, Lindbergh Elementary, Tulsa Public Schools Elizabeth Reed, Owasso Eighth Grade Center, Owasso

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today the Oklahoma House of Representatives showed its overwhelming, bipartisan support for legislation strengthening the state’s Strong Readers Act, giving teachers additional training and support and ensuring students can read by the third grade. Senate Bill 1778 includes early identification of reading deficiencies through consistent, statewide screening; targeted intervention grounded in the science of reading; clear communication with parents about their child’s reading progress and available at-home supports; accountability measures to ensure students demonstrate reading ability before advancing to the next grade; giving 2nd graders the option of taking the state test; expanded teacher training and classroom support to improve instruction outcomes; new requirements and accountability for colleges of education preparing our state’s future teachers; a new funding formula that supports all students, while also giving additional funds to students who need more help and rewarding schools seeing growth; and creates a revolving fund to encourage public-private partnerships. “Before third grade, students learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn. When that transition does not happen, the consequences compound quickly and follow students for life,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow and author of the bill. “ We want to talk about career pathways and dream jobs for our students, but our children will be perpetually underemployed if they cannot read. I am proud of the House members who supported this important legislation today and I believe we will look back to this moment years from now and know this is when we made the decision to do better for all Oklahoma students." To support this reform, the Legislature is making targeted investments to strengthen teacher preparation and student literacy. The budget includes over $43 million for reading instruction and interventions in schools, $5 million in supplemental investment for teacher training academies this summer, and $5 million in ongoing annual funding for teacher training programs. In addition, the state will invest over $5 million in reading at home initiatives and dedicated funding for math and reading screeners to help educators identify and address student learning needs earlier. The legislation has received bipartisan support, largely because the statistics around Oklahoma’s reading levels are alarming. In 2015, Oklahoma students performed near the national average in reading. Today, we trail peer states by more than a full grade level. Based on Spring 2025 testing, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders are reading at or above grade level. The bill passed the House floor with a bipartisan vote of 87-5. The Senate will now consider the proposed amendments before the legislation moves to the governor's desk for final consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 1290 , creating the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund. The measure is authored in the House by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and passed with a vote of 82-5. SB1290 would establish a revolving fund within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to provide stable, ongoing funding for the state’s 211 system. Under the measure, the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund includes a $3 million appropriation. "The 211 hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting people in every corner of our state with the help they need," Norwood said. "This ensures we keep that support strong and reliable so Oklahomans can find stability in times of need. When someone calls, Oklahoma should be there to answer." The fund would serve as a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and would support efforts to maintain and strengthen access to critical services for Oklahomans across all 77 counties. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who recognized the importance of this measure and stood behind it," Norwood said. "They understand that access to these services can be the difference between hardship and hope for many families." The measure's House committee substitute includes clear provisions prohibiting the use of funds for abortion-related services. The amendment directs the system to prioritize referrals to crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and other life-affirming resources. "It is important that we continue to recognize the sanctity of life in our policies," Norwood said. "This legislation makes clear that these resources will support mothers, families and children while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used in a way that reflects those values." The measure now heads back to the Senate for a final vote. If signed into law, SB1290 will take effect July 1.