District virtually names district teacher of the year, support employee of the year with special recognition
Launch the media gallery 1 playerEvery year, the district honors its site teachers of the year and support employees of the year at the annual Star Award Gala, which is held at Broken Arrow’s Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. Unfortunately due to the global pandemic and canceled events, Broken Arrow Public Schools found a way to virtually celebrate those who consistently go above and beyond in support of the district's goals.
Through special videos recorded by their supervisors and released on the district’s social media accounts, Broken Arrow High School English Teacher Lesa Dickson was named District Teacher of the Year and Centennial Middle School Child Nutrition Manager Kelli Hunsperger was named Support Employee of the Year.
Watch the announcement videos for Ms. Dickson and Ms. Hunsperger on the district's YouTube channel.
“It breaks my heart that we couldn’t celebrate our 28 site teachers of the year and five support employees of the year at our annual Gala, but I hope they know how truly valued they are.” Superintendent Dr. Janet Dunlop said. “It’s because of them that students stay engaged in their educational experience. They are truly champions of public education and are making a difference in the lives of their colleagues and students.”
As Teacher of the Year, Dickson will have the opportunity to drive a courtesy car, which was graciously dropped off at her house by Broken Arrow's Matthews Ford. She will go on to represent the district at the state teacher of the year competition this summer.
In addition, Child Nutrition Manager Kelli Hunsperger was announced as the Beyond and Above winner and will receive a cash prize sponsored by Flintco. Nominations for the Beyond and Above award were made by principals, teachers, administrators, supervisors and coworkers. A committee consisting of site and district administrators conducted a review of all candidate nominations before spring break.