Congratulations to our 2019 Teacher and Support Employee of the year, Nicole Powell and Donna Garner.

Nicole Powell is has been a teacher at Gilcrease Elementary School for seven years and is part of the school's leadership team. While she started her career as a special education teacher, two years ago Nicole and colleague Hanna Al-Jibouri founded a multi-age classroom where all students who walk through their door leave as strong readers who love learning.

Nicole also supports her students outside of the classroom by coaching soccer and serving as faculty advisor for the Book club, Reading Buddy program, and Student Council. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a master's degree from Oklahoma State University.

"I'm shocked, to say the least. I am so proud to represent Tulsa Public Schools and Gilcrease Elementary," Nicole said.

The other finalists include Erica Goodson, agricultural education teacher at Webster High School; Victoria Hall, social studies teacher at McLain High School; Jennie Lowther, English teacher at Rogers College Junior High School; and Rebecca Roselle, special education teacher at Whitman. Elementary. School.

Donna Garner is a paraprofessional at Mark Twain Elementary School and has been with the district for 25 years. Since the day she arrived, the staff and students have been amazed at her abilities and commitment. She finds ways to incorporate learning into every experience, such as sharing her love for the presidents of the United States with first-graders during breakfast time.

Her support for her students continues even after they leave her care: she recently helped a former student enroll in college and apply for financial aid after he graduated high school.

"Out of 49 years of my life, all but 11 years I've spent with TPS; either going to school or working at school," she said. "I work with great people and I can't thank you all enough."

The other finalists include Paola Belcher Gutierrez, parent involvement facilitator at Dolores Huerta Elementary School; Darryl Mayfield, buildings, grounds, and site supervisor at Kendall-Whittier Elementary School; Lori Ann Sample, paraprofessional at Carnegie Elementary School; and Donna Wiley, principal's secretary at Carver Middle School.

We at Tulsa Public Schools want to congratulate our 2019 winners, finalists, nominees, and every single teacher and support employee that make our district an amazing place to be!

You can see some of the pictures taken from the event here.