July 11,2007                                     

OKCPS Teacher of the Year Named as 2007

Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Finalist

From left to right: State Superintendent Sandy Garrett, Classen School of Advanced Studies drama instructor, Michael Payne, and on the end OKCPS Superintendent  Dr. John Q. Porter

Michael Payne, Drama Instructor for Classen School of Advanced Studies, Named One of Twelve Finalists From Across the State

(Oklahoma City, OK) – Classen School of Advanced Studies drama instructor, Michael Payne was named today by State Superintendent Sandy Garrett as one of the 12 finalists for 2007 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year during ceremonies at the 2007 Leadership conference. The conference is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education for superintendents, principals and other school administrators.

The finalists were chosen from a field of more than 500 teachers who had been named as their school districts’ teachers of the year. Four regional selection committees comprised of teachers, past Oklahoma Teachers of the Year and PTA representatives narrowed the field down to 12, choosing three finalists to represent each of their regions.

 “The Teacher of the Year award is a great way to honor our state’s teachers who have given themselves unselfishly to our youth,” said Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. John Q. Porter. “Michael Payne continues to prove that Oklahoma City Public Schools has extraordinary teachers with remarkable credentials.”

Innovative ideas, energy and high organization were among reasons colleagues chose to select Michael Payne the 2007-08 Teacher of the Year. An eight-year veteran of the District, he strives to move students from passive learners to active participants and believes that the way the curriculum is taught is as important as the curriculum itself.

Michael began his love for acting at an early age. As an only child, he found ways to entertain himself by creating puppet shows and playing school. He went on to take drama classes throughout middle and high school while participating in community theater. He earned a full scholarship to Southeastern University for acting/directing and spent time working for the Dallas Theater Center and Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He worked for two years as a teacher with the Dallas Independent School District before moving to Oklahoma City.

In September, one of the 12 finalists will be chosen as the 2007-2008 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year during formal ceremonies at the State Fair of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. The announcement will come after a state Selection Committee conducts personal interviews and reviews videotapes and teaching portfolios submitted by the finalists. The individual named the 2007-2008 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will receive more than $50,000 in cash and prizes and represent the state in the national competition.