April’s luncheon meeting of Bryan County Retired Educators honored DISD Teacher of the Year and Oklahoma Top Ten Finalist, Lisa Sager and DISD Teacher of the Year and Oklahoma Top Ten Finalist, Shaundra Usry.
Ms. Sager is a DMS math teacher. She explained the selection process for Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year 2024. Candidates submitted self-reflective answers to seven questions for consideration. These short essay responses helped Ms. Sager formulate her platform of experienced educators mentoring new teachers in an attempt to increase teacher retention rates. She also submitted a video of her teaching in her classroom and was interviewed by a selection board. Her experience with the other Top Ten candidates was one of true bonding.
Durant’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and Oklahoma Top Ten contender for the state’s Teacher of the Year award is Shaundra Usry. Ms. Usry teaches at Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center. Her interview process for the state title differed slightly from 2024.
She submitted two videos featuring her teaching of her students. Interview questions were based on these videos. Ms.Usry’s message for fellow educators is to “Step Back.” Her belief is that we “are pushing kids too hard.” Fast is not always better.
The Oklahoma 2025 State Teacher of the Year will be announced at InspireOK. The Top Ten finalists will be celebrated as well as past Oklahoma State Teachers and current District Teachers of the Year.
On the meeting agenda was a legislative update presented by Oklahoma Retired Educators Southeast Membership Chair, Brenda Calahan. An important date was announced as April 30, 2025, Day of Action at the Capitol. Oklahoma Educators Association members will have opportunities to speak with state senators and representatives to ensure their voices are heard. They hope to voice their concerns about proposed changes to funding the Teacher Retirement System.
This summer OREA is hosting two “Summer Camps” for members to fellowship and learn about issues facing retired educators. On June 9, one Summer Camp will be held at Burns Flat; the June 12 Camp is slated for Muskogee.
On May 16, BCRE will meet at the Choctaw Cultural Center,11:30, for lunch and a legislative “wrap up” report from State Senator David Bullard, State Representative Cory Maynard, and State Representative J.J. Humphrey. BCRE meetings will resume in the fall.
