Durant Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center teacher Shaunda Usry is among 10 finalists statewide for 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced last week.
She was the Durant Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024.
“I really do have the best job in education,” Usry said, in a statement. “I get paid to find new ways for children to play while they learn. Laughter is said to be the best medicine and goodness, do we laugh in Pre-K. How can I not find my job rewarding when fouryear- olds tell me what the really think.
“Being positive, building relationships, growing my little village and constantly learning allows me to be the best teacher to my littles. Teaching is worth every tear, every hard day, every smile and every a-ha moment. I adore creating magic to instill a love of learning in my students.”
REL Principal Lisa Whitley expressed excitement about the announcement.
“I am so proud of this amazing educator and friend,” Whitley said, in a social media post. “REL and DISD are blessed to have her on staff. Such a well-deserved honor.”
The finalists were first selected as Teachers of the Year at their respective schools before advancing through a district-level nomination process. They will now be evaluated by a panel of Oklahomans, who will determine the winner of the prestigious statewide honor.
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be announced at the InspireOK event in July, where the winner will be recognized for their contributions to education and their role in shaping the future of Oklahoma’s students.
