District and Site Teacher of the Year
What Makes a Great Teacher
Great Oklahoma teachers challenge, motivate, and inspire their students to do their best; they make learning exciting, engaging, and continuous; they are respected by their peers as well as local school officials, parents, and students; they are caring and creative, seeking to enrich the lives of their students and build a better future for us all.
Teacher of the Year Eligibility and Selection
Owasso Public Schools honors teachers at the local level by participating in the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program. All certified teachers who have completed the past three consecutive years in the Owasso Public School district may be considered for this honor. Each Teacher of the Year nominee is selected by their peers to represent their building at the district level. Owasso Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year is selected from a district peer committee based on a self-submitted portfolio as well as a live presentation by each candidate.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year, Kristin Resendiz!
21 Years Teaching | 13 Years at OPS | Special Education Teacher
L to R: Dr. Margaret Coates, Superintendent, Kristin Resendiz, 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year
Why She Was Selected
Kristin Resendiz was named the 2026 Owasso Public Schools Teacher of the Year on March 25 during a ceremony at the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center. Selected from 15 site Teachers of the Year, she stood out for her unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every learner.
Her work reflects the very best of OPS—creating a classroom where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
From District Leadership
“Kristin Resendiz exemplifies what it means to be your best through her unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of every learner. Her passion, patience, and commitment create an environment where all students can grow, succeed, and feel valued.”
— Dr. Margaret Coates, Superintendent
In the Classroom
Resendiz teaches with a simple but powerful philosophy: do what is best for each individual student.
As a special education teacher, she supports students with a wide range of abilities and needs. When faced with unfamiliar challenges, she takes the initiative to learn, adapt, and implement best practices—ensuring every student receives the support they deserve.
She is deeply committed to:
- Meeting students where they are
- Building trust with families through consistent communication
- Creating a classroom where every child feels seen and valued
Her Journey
- Graduate of Oral Roberts University (2005)
- Former teacher in Tulsa Public Schools (Pre-K–4th + Special Education)
- Joined Owasso Public Schools in 2013
- 13 years in Developmental Delay Program (Barnes Elementary & Stone Canyon)
Now in her 21st year in education, Resendiz has dedicated her career to serving students with compassion, expertise, and heart.
In Her Words
“I am deeply honored and, honestly, a bit overwhelmed… Teaching is a team effort, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do work that I love alongside colleagues who inspire and support me each day.”
What's Next
Resendiz will complete the application process in the coming months to be considered for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
