BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Oklahoma Kevin Stitt stopped by Broken Arrow High School Wednesday morning to announce that the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year is a finalist for 2019 National Teacher of the Year.
Donna Gradel is a science teacher.
Under Gradel’s instruction, Broken Arrow students designed a way for Kenyan orphans to produce fish food for one-twelfth the current cost.
“I constantly encourage them to dream big and make a difference in the world,” Gradel said. “They know our classroom is a safe, caring place to imagine and not be afraid to fail.”
One of the four finalists will be named the 2019 National Teacher of the Year this spring by a national selection committee.
The winner will spend the next year traveling the country as an ambassador for education and an advocate for all teachers and students.