Elaine HutchisonOklahoma City -
A Fairview math instructor was named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year today by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Elaine Hutchison is a math teacher at Fairview High School and Chamberlain Middle School in the Fairview Public Schools District and the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center. She has been teaching algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus for 19 years.
"A teacher's enthusiasm ignites greatness," Hutchison said. "If we want our students to be excited about learning, they must feed on our passion. We must work as though our daily contributions are what make or break our students' success."
State Superintendent Janet Barresi is scheduled to announce Hutchison as teacher of the year during a ceremony at the Oklahoma State Fair this afternoon.
Twelve finalists from six regions of the state made up the nominees this year. Finalists were selected from a committee made up of teachers, parents and members of the local community.
As the 2012 Teacher of the Year, Hutchison will receive more than $50,000 in cash and prizes and will represent Oklahoma in the national Teacher of the Year competition.
She also will serve as the state's "Ambassador of Teacher" for a year.
