Source: Union Public Schools
Andersen Elementary fifth grade teacher Cory Allen has been named the 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year for Union Public Schools.
The announcement was made this morning at the Union Performing Arts Center during a day planned for professional development activities.
UPS Supt. John Federline, Associate Superintendents Charlie Bushyhead and Sandi Calvin joined others as they congratulated Allen on her selection, following a special presentation that recognized all of the Site Teachers of the Year.
Shea Ludwig, executive director of the Union Schools Education Foundation, also congratulated Allen, presenting her with a check for $1,000.
“As a teacher, the most important thing I do is to teach the whole child, not just academics, but also how to be kind,” Allen said, but said there are “Bonus points if they love school during the process.”
Allen said, “The children of Oklahoma deserve great teachers. I still have a lot of learn as an educator, but I hope I can do them justice in the process.”
Allen started teaching in 2006, and joined the team at Union Public Schools in 2011. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in human development and family science with a focus on early childhood education. She plans on seeking her master’s degree.
Allen and each of the Site Teachers of the Year were recognized on stage. There was a really funny segment when Alternative Teacher of the Year Trent Spencer and Alternative Principal Chris Ducker rode scooters on stage during their introduction. Many teachers jumped or twirled as they were introduced.
Kirby Mackenzie, the district’s Teacher of the Year last year, gave an emotional and funny speech about how teachers influenced her life, causing more than a few in the audience to shed a tear.
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