OKCPS 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year Sanford Jackson Named Finalist for State Teacher of the Year

Oklahoma City Public Schools is on a roll when it comes to having some of the best teachers in its schools and Sanford Jackson is proof of that. After being crowned the District 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year, it was announced Friday, July 7 that he is now among the 12 teachers selected as state finalists.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett made the announcement Friday morning during the Annual Leadership Conference. Jackson will now represent Oklahoma City Public Schools in the state Teacher of the Year competition where the winner is announced during the State Fair of Oklahoma each September.

Being selected as one of the top 12 finalists is a very exciting time for Jackson. “Initially I thought it was a great honor my peers selected me to represent them but now that I’m here I’m aware there are a lot of eyes on me and I am a role model for my students.

"My students see me doing something this great that doesn’t revolve around a football or basketball and that is good for them. This is affirmation that I’m doing the right things for my students,” said Jackson who knew teaching was the career for him as a child. “I lived in the country and would collect bugs. Sharing my excitement with my family and friends led me to teaching. I like sharing and being able to mold students’ minds.”

Jackson is a science teacher at Taft Middle Schools where he has taught the last six years of his 13-year teaching career. He is following Robyn Hilger the current state teacher of the year for Oklahoma and the district.

Original Article: Sanford Jackson Named OKCPS 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year