Northwest Heights Elementary School kindergartenfourth grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher Kasey Bennett was named the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year for 2026 during the Teacher of the Year Gala at the Reed Center in Midwest City.
Bennett, who has more than 14 years of experience teaching, was the Durant School District’s Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.
She competed against nine other finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
“I am so humbled and grateful to be chosen as the 2026 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year,” Bennett said. “It is a tremendous honor. This upcoming year I will serve as an ambassador for Oklahoma education and look forward to meeting more excellent educators all across our great state and seeing the incredible work they are doing in their classrooms.”
The announcement was made on NWH principal Taylor Downs’ birthday.
“I can’t think of a better birthday gift yesterday than Kasey Bennett being named the 2026 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year,” Downs said, in a social media post. “The entire evening was filled with hope and perseverance for the future of Oklahoma education. Our entire state and beyond is now seeing the Mrs. Bennett we have known and loved in Durant ISD for many years.”
Downs said that as principal, watching a teacher’s hard work pay off on the grandest stage brings a level of pride that is difficult to put into words.
“We are so proud of you, Kasey,” Downs said. “Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we continue to be in awe of your abilities both in and out of the classroom.”
Superintendent Mark Moring spoke of Bennett when she was recognized during an April school board meeting.
“Her journey into teaching began unexpectedly, shaped by years spent watching her parents, both educators, pour love and stability into their students,” Moring said, reading from a bio about Bennett. “Before entering the classroom, Bennett worked in banking, insurance and later in training and development for the Choctaw Nation, where she discovered her talent for teaching adults.
“That experience ultimately led her to pursue education, beginning as a kindergarten assistant before becoming a classroom teacher, virtual instructor, I’m guessing during COVID, math interventionist, and now a STEM specialist. Her career reflects a willingness to embrace challenge and change, noting that change is invigorating for the soul.”
Moring said that Bennett’s commitment to students is grounded in compassion, high expectations, and a belief in the transformative power of school.
“A sign she has carried to every classroom she has taught in reads, ‘Someday I will change the world,’ a message she strives to live out and empower her students with daily.”
Bennett earned two degrees from Southeastern, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (2006) and a Master of Education in School Administration (2015).
“As a proud alumna, Bennett has remained connected with her alma mater over the years, most recently serving as a panelist for the 2026 Prospective Teacher Academy hosted by the university’s Department of Educational Instruction and Leadership,” the university said, in a news release.
Southeastern said Bennett joins fellow Southeastern graduate Jon Hazell, who also earned the honor when he was named the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2017.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education said Bennett’s passion for student success, commitment to creating inclusive learning opportunities and dedication to helping every child discover their potential exemplify the very best of Oklahoma education.
“As Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year, Kasey will serve as an ambassador for educators across our state, sharing the incredible work happening in classrooms and championing the profession that shapes every future,” the department of education said.
