Owasso’s Liz Reed Named Finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year

Liz Reed, an English Language Arts teacher at the Owasso 8th Grade Center and 2025 Owasso Public Schools Teacher of the Year, was named as one of 10 finalists for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year honor, the Oklahoma State Department of Education announced on Wednesday.

The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be named at a special gala on June 5 in Midwest City, where the winner will be honored for their impact on education and their role in shaping the future of Oklahoma’s students.

"Liz Reed embodies the heart of Owasso Public Schools,” OPS Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates said. "Her ability to connect with students, understand their individual needs, and inspire them to grow both academically and personally sets her apart as an educator. From mentoring students beyond the classroom to creating a culture where every learner feels seen, valued, and encouraged to be their best, Liz’s impact is profound. Being named a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of the difference she makes every day.”

Reed is in her 8th year as an educator and her 6th year in Owasso Public Schools. A 2001 graduate of Owasso High School, she earned a degree in Journalism & Broadcasting from Oklahoma State University in 2005. Additionally, she is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Southern Nazarene University, with an anticipated graduation in the fall.

As a student at Owasso High School, Reed was a member of the Pride of Owasso colorguard and she returned to serve as a coach for the group for 10 years, including seven years as the Colorguard Director. During that time she mentored more than 350 students, using colorguard to not just teach the physical skills of the activity, but to help prepare each student for life after graduation.

She credits her experiences with the colorguard as the launching pad for her teaching career. Reed held her first classroom teaching position at the high school in 2009, but paused those duties to raise her four children. She returned to the classroom in the Spring of 2020 as a long-term substitute at Litchfield Elementary School in Arizona, before earning a full-time role as a 5th grade teacher there for the 2020-21 school year. Upon Reed’s return to Owasso, she began teaching English Language Arts at the 8th Grade Center in August 2021 and has continued in that role ever since. 

Reed’s ultimate goal in the classroom is to use English Language Arts to inspire incredible future adults who can rise above their circumstances, as she once did. She believes her teaching philosophy can be summarized by this quote from the Dalai Lama: “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”

With this in mind, Reed strives to take the time to truly understand each student’s unique social and emotional needs in order to break down any barriers to learning, which also builds trust and inspires academic growth. In her classroom, as well as throughout the school, Reed works to foster a culture of connection, where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to become their best selves.