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SPS Teacher of the Year finalists

OSU Graduates Recognized as Stillwater Public Schools’ Top Educators

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Media Contact: Christy Lang | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

Eight Oklahoma State University graduates were recognized as finalists for 2025 Teacher of the Year for Stillwater Public Schools, demonstrating the substantial impact OSU alumni continue to make in local education.

Michael Porter, a mathematics teacher at Stillwater High School and OSU graduate, was named the district's Teacher of the Year on Friday, May 2.

“Congratulations to the finalists from each building and the overall winner — what a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Stephanie Hathcock, interim head of the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences. “We value our partnership with Stillwater Public Schools and are proud to have so many of our graduates hired within the district. They have an outsized effect on the community and are wonderful examples of the impact quality teachers can have on students' educational experiences.”

Seven of the site teachers of the year completed OSU education degree programs and the eighth completed the Graduate Certificate program for those seeking alternative certification. 

The significant presence of OSU graduates among Stillwater's Teachers of the Year illustrates the university's role in preparing educators who make significant contributions across the district's elementary, middle, junior high and high school levels. The College of Education and Human Sciences continues to equip future teachers with the knowledge, skills and passion needed to excel in today's educational environment. 

“Oklahoma State University produces outstanding education graduates who are well-prepared to inspire and lead in the classroom,” said Dr. Toni Ivey, Director of Educator Support and P12 Outreach. “Their rigorous training, hands-on experience, and passion for teaching make these graduates valuable assets to schools and communities.”

In partnering with Stillwater Public Schools for teacher education programs, the university and community come together to inspire bright futures for students in academics and success in life. 

“SPS consistently demonstrates commitment to education through the success of its students and support for the development of future educators,” Ivey said. “By offering mentorship, practical learning opportunities, and a welcoming environment for teacher education students, Stillwater serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the next generation of teachers and learners.”

Stillwater Public Schools Teacher of the Year finalists

Michael Porter – Stillwater High School
SPS Teacher of the Year

A mathematics teacher and the district's overall Teacher of the Year, Porter has served Stillwater Public Schools since 1991.

Courtney Parks – Highland Park Elementary

As a Library Media Specialist, Parks holds both a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science with a focus on Early Childhood Education and a M.S. in Educational Technology with an emphasis on School Library Media from OSU. She has served Stillwater Public Schools from 2006-10 and 2017 to present.

Zach Boydston – Richmond Elementary 

Boydston is a Physical Education teacher and a 2019 OSU graduate. He has been with Stillwater Public Schools since 2018. 

Hannah Day – Sangre Ridge Elementary  

Day earned her Early Childhood Education degree from OSU in 2019 and later completed a master's degree in education leadership. She has taught at Stillwater Public Schools since 2019, and she currently teaches Kindergarten.

Annie Ortiz – Skyline Elementary

Ortiz is an Enrichment teacher with an impressive 38 years of service to Stillwater Public Schools since 1987 with a passion for the community.

Caleb Davis – Westwood Elementary  

Fifth-grade teacher Davis studied Elementary Education with a minor in Creativity and Motivation at OSU, including a semester abroad at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has taught at Stillwater Public Schools since 2021.

Madeline El Ourraqe – Stillwater Junior High School

Since joining Stillwater Public Schools in 2021, Special Services teacher El Ourraqe has been passionate about meeting the unique learning needs of each student.

Scott Peterman – Lincoln Alternative Academy 

Peterman is a Social Studies teacher and OSU graduate. He has served Stillwater Public Schools since 2002. His deep community connections are evident.

Stillwater Public Schools Teacher of the Year finalists 

Michael Porter
Michael Porter
Michael Porter: "I love teaching at Stillwater High School,” Porter said. “It is the place to be. We definitely promote a family atmosphere here. Everyone looks to help and support each other. The high school is an outstanding place to work."
Courtney Parks
Courtney Parks
Courtney Parks: "I love teaching in Stillwater and Stillwater Public Schools because they offer numerous opportunities and a variety of interests and pursuits while still maintaining a close setting to develop relationships with students and stakeholders to foster personal growth and maximize the public school system's potential," said Parks.
Zach Bodyston
Zach Bodyston
Zach Boydston: "I really enjoy teaching students new skills and having the opportunity to introduce them to new experiences they may not get outside of school,” Boydston said. “I'm also very fortunate to work with colleagues that make coming to work a ton of fun."
Hannah Day
Hannah Day
Hannah Day: "I love teaching in Stillwater because of the relationships," Day said. "Over the years, I have formed special and lasting connections with students, parents, and peers. I truly value knowing families by name and need, along with the irreplaceable friendships I've developed with my teaching teams. I appreciate the supportive leadership at every level, which genuinely strives for the best outcomes for teachers and students alike."
Annie Ortiz
Annie Ortiz
Annie Ortiz: "I love Stillwater,” Ortiz said. “When I leave, I always find myself smiling on the return home. It has a diverse community with many opportunities and great schools. It is what drew us here and what keeps us here."
Caleb Davis
Caleb Davis
Caleb Davis: "I love teaching in Stillwater for so many reasons,” Davis said. “If I had to sum it up into one word, it would be community. I am from Tulsa and had only planned on coming to Stillwater for my degree. I wanted to return home to Tulsa once I graduated to begin my career. That was until I really understood the depth of Stillwater's community and even more so the community behind Stillwater Public Schools."
Madeline El Ourraqe
Madeline El Ourraqe
Madeline El Ourraqe: "Teaching in Stillwater is a dream come true for me, as I am a proud graduate of Oklahoma State University," El Ourraqe said. "During my time in college, I fell in love with the town and its tightknit, family-oriented community. Stillwater has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it's inspiring to be part of a community that rallies around its school district, the university and one another."
Scott Peterman
Scott Peterman
Scott Peterman: "I love Stillwater and teaching here because we are focused on student success and creating great young people,” Peterman said. “My roots are here, being 5th-generation Payne county, myself and having married a Stillwater girl! That's pretty great too."

Story By: Jillian Walker | jillian.walker@okstate.edu

College of Education and Human SciencesEducationSchool of Teaching Learning and Educational SciencesStillwater Public Schools
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