Broken Arrow Public Schools names 2023 District Teacher of the Year, Support Employee of the Year
At its annual Star Awards Gala, Broken Arrow Public Schools announced Rosewood Elementary teacher Amanda Bowser as the 2023 District Teacher of the Year and Freshman Academy Security Guard Nate Pittman as the winner of the Beyond & Above Award, which is given to the district’s top support employee.
During this sit-down dinner event held at Stoney Creek Hotel, 32 Site Teachers of the Year were formally introduced, six were named as finalists, and Ms. Bowser was honored as the District Teacher of the Year.
“Mrs. Amanda Bowser’s passion for teaching kids is truly inspiring,” Rosewood Elementary Principal Nate Hutchings said. “It is amazing how she brings her lessons to life and pulls students into learning. She has a big heart for kids and works tirelessly to meet them where they are to help them grow.”
As Teacher of the Year, Bowser received a monetary gift from the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation and the opportunity to drive a courtesy car from Matthews Ford in Broken Arrow. She will go on to represent the district at the upcoming State Teacher of the Year competition.
“I have come to strongly believe that what encompasses an outstanding teacher can be summed up in one word: Love,” Bowser said. “Love is pushing them, bending them to their growing point, but not letting them break. Love is high-fives each morning and hugs that linger until they let go first. It is recognizing the impact of a simple moment. Love knows each child’s success is not measured merely by a test. The most outstanding teachers I have ever known are the ones who love in the most incredible ways because they know love is the only thing that never fails.”
Launch the media gallery 2 player“Officer Pittman epitomizes what it means to go above and beyond for our student at the Freshman Academy,” said co-worker Adam Elghadi. “Each day, he interacts with students in a friendly manner and is amiable with parents and staff. He knows almost all of our students by name, has special handshakes with them, and some students have special nicknames for him. It’s hard to find anyone with as much dedication and expertise as Officer Pittman in any profession, and we are honored to have him at the Freshman Academy.”
Flintco Construction, WRA Architects, BA Car Wash and Celia DeLeon Agency Farmers Insurance helped sponsor the Beyond & Above Award, providing cash prizes to each of the five finalists. The BAPS Foundation with the help of a number of local businesses and community members* awarded cash prizes to all 32 Site Teachers of the Year as well.
*Thank you to the following:
Mayor Debra Wimpee
BA Buzz
First National Bank
BASwift Recon
1-800 Water Damage
TulsaGo
MasterWork Custom Homes
Brightway Insurance, The David Pickel Agency
Beau Buchanan Family
Sign Gypsies
Solid Rock Realtors Shae Pearson
Vice Mayor Christi Gillespie
LDKerns Contractors
Drilling Equipment Rentals
Hazel Koehler
Senator John Haste
Jo Jo and Greer Nichols
Chris Mathurin State Farm
Supermercados Morelos
Greenleaf Barn Weddings & Events