CPS Recognizes Another 32 Educators as OTEP Awards Pass $1 Million in the Third Year of Participation
CLAREMORE, Okla. - Claremore Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating its third consecutive year of participation in the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP), recognizing 32 exceptional educators during the 2026-27 school year and reaching a significant milestone of more than $1 million awarded to teachers since the district began participating in 2024.
Created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2022, OTEP recognizes, rewards, and retains highly effective teachers through additional compensation based on instructional excellence, professional leadership, and demonstrated commitment to student success.
Over three years, CPS has awarded $1,093,500 in OTEP funding toward teacher compensation, including $372,000 during the 2026-27 school year. This year's awards include both base program stipends and additional compensation for teachers serving in Title I schools. While district participation is voluntary, CPS has remained committed to the program as an opportunity to reward educators whose contributions extend beyond daily classroom instruction.
Growing Interest in Teacher Excellence
Interest in OTEP continues to grow among CPS educators. This year, 85 teachers applied for consideration, compared with 48 applicants during the previous school year, representing a 77% increase.
This year's 32 OTEP designees represent all six CPS schools, highlighting the exceptional educators making a difference for students at every grade level.
The 32 designated educators have taught at Claremore Public Schools for an average of 14.5 years, reflecting a strong foundation of experience and dedication to the district's students and families.
Additionally, 18 of the 32 designees have previously earned Teacher of the Year recognition at the school, district, or state level.
This year's designees reflect both continued excellence and new opportunities for recognition. Almost half of the recipients had never applied before. Together, these educators show that the program continues to recognize established leaders while giving more teachers opportunities to be acknowledged for their contributions.
Reflecting on the program's impact over the past three years, Superintendent Bryan Frazier emphasized that its success extends beyond financial recognition.
“Over the past three years, we've seen the impact of this program extend far beyond the financial investment. We're seeing increased professional development, improved teacher attendance, and ultimately, higher-quality learning experiences for our students. Isn't that what it's all about? When we invest in our teachers and encourage them to continue growing professionally, our students are the ones who benefit most. That's the ultimate goal of everything we do in education,” Frazier said.
He added, “We have 85 educators who stepped forward this year, knowing that only 32 could receive this recognition. That speaks volumes about the caliber of teachers we have at Claremore Public Schools. The state limits the number of designations we can award, but that limit doesn't define the excellence in our classrooms. We are incredibly proud of the 32 teachers being recognized, and equally grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by every teacher who applied.”
Recognizing Excellence Beyond the Classroom
The Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program recognizes educators through a comprehensive evaluation and selection process that considers both instructional effectiveness and professional contributions.
To qualify, teachers must earn a minimum score of 3.6 on the Oklahoma Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (TLE) evaluation system. TLE performance determines eligibility for the program's designation levels.
CPS also evaluates applicants using a 100-point scoring system that considers teacher attendance, committee involvement, mentorship, and community and family engagement.
New to this year's process, community and family engagement is included as a scoring category, recognizing the important role teachers play in building relationships and partnerships that support student success.
Applicants may also earn bonus points for Teacher of the Year honors, regional, state, or national recognition, and elective professional development completed on their own time.
These measures recognize that exceptional teaching extends beyond instructional delivery to include leadership, collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful connections with students and families.
A Commitment to Continuous Professional Growth
One of this year's most notable accomplishments is the commitment CPS educators demonstrated to professional learning.
OTEP applicants documented 1,546 hours of elective professional development and submitted 360 certificates reflecting their continued investment in strengthening instructional practices.
Reading and literacy accounted for the most number of professional development hours, highlighting educators' continued focus on developing knowledge and strategies that support student learning.
These hours represent professional learning teachers pursued beyond their required training, demonstrating initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“Our Core Values aren't just words we teach our students. They're expectations we set for ourselves as educators. When teachers take the initiative to grow professionally, mentor their colleagues, and find new ways to support students and families, they're demonstrating those values in action. They're modeling the very qualities we hope to instill in every student who walks through our doors,” Frazier said.
Recognizing Educators, Strengthening Our Schools
The Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program provides additional compensation through three designation levels: Master Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Advanced Teacher.
The program gives highly effective educators the opportunity to receive increased compensation while continuing to serve students in the classroom.
For CPS, participation represents more than financial recognition. It reflects a sustained commitment to celebrating excellent teaching, encouraging professional growth, and retaining experienced educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students.
As Claremore Public Schools celebrates its third year of participation and surpasses $1 million in cumulative teacher awards, the district remains focused on recognizing the educators whose dedication, leadership, and expertise help shape the future of its students.
Excellence in education begins with excellent teachers, and Claremore Public Schools is proud to recognize those who make that excellence possible.
Catalayah Elementary: Gina Bennett, Tina Cole, Crystal Galvan, Ashley Henry, Andrea James
Claremont Elementary: Amy Cochrane, Vicki Millsap, Jessica Peck, Rebecca Stanart, Kimberly Ward
Roosa Elementary: Muriel Alexander, Erica Johnson, Tara Kerr, Crystal Lakey, LaShell Page, Amber Reavis, Lynse Robinson
Westside Elementary: Whitney Lyons, Susan McGill, Cynthia Nicks, Michelle Sagely, Darsea Sanders, Hope Vinson
Will Rogers Junior High: Aubrey Higgins, LaRonna Hurt, Molly Lile, Kelsey Perry
Claremore High School: Courtney Acord, Jill Andrews, Leah Johnson, Bruce Riggs, and CHOICES program Patsy Armstrong
