Northwest Heights Elementary School teacher Kasey Bennett is among 10 finalists for the 2026 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year, State Superintendent Lindel Fields announced.
In a social media post after she learned she is a finalist, Bennett said it is an honor and an incredibly humbling experience.
“I have felt such love and support today from everyone,” Bennett said. “Thank you all for celebrating with and for me. The surprise of the announcement, the calls, texts, messages, flowers, and hugs, they all meant the world to me. I am so proud to represent Durant and look forward to the next few months.”
Bennett was the Durant School District’s Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. She is in her 14th year with the Durant School District and her 13th year in the classroom. She teaches kindergarten through fourth grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
After Bennett was named the Durant TOY, Durant Schools Superintendent Mark Moring praised her for her creativity and said her classes are fun to attend.
“I’ve been there a couple of times and it’s fun to watch the kids get to create and think for themselves and it not just be rote memorization and different things like that,” Moring said. “So, that’s what’s really unique to me about her and her class is just the opportunity she gives her kids to be creative and learn hands-on and learn by doing.
The finalists for the state TOY are examples of outstanding educators from across the state who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to their school communities, according to Fields.
“Oklahoma educators are second to none, and these 10 teachers represent the best of the best,” Fields said, in a news release. “I am incredibly proud of these educators. I hope all Oklahomans can join me in celebrating this accomplishment and expressing our support and appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to our students.”
The other 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 Keely Flynn | Lindbergh Elementary, Tulsa Public Schools Elizabeth Reed | Owasso Eighth Grade Center, Owasso The winner will be announced at the Teacher of the Year Gala in June.
