2023 National Teacher of the Year: Rebecka Peterson, Oklahoma's Math Teacher
Rebecka Peterson, a math teacher at a high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been recognized as the 2023 National Teacher of the Year. Peterson, who has previously taught math at the college level, was selected from a pool of outstanding state-level teachers.
Peterson, who is originally from Sweden, immigrated to the United States as a child. She has been teaching math for over 20 years, and her passion for teaching has not waned. She uses journaling to inspire her creativity in the classroom and has written over 1,000 posts for One Good Thing, a blog for teachers to track the positive things happening in their classrooms.
Peterson's Commitment to STEM Education:
In an interview with ABC News, Peterson said that the foundation of her teaching philosophy is to carve out time and space to listen to her students' stories.
After dedicating time to actively listen to her students, she feels enabled to not only share their experiences but also amplify their voices. She strives to create safe and open places where her students can share their stories and escape from the difficulties they may be facing.
As a STEM teacher, Peterson is particularly passionate about increasing the number of highly qualified educators in STEM fields. She has been advocating for higher salaries to address the shortage of STEM teachers in public schools.
Based on information from federal data, most public schools have challenges hiring physical science and mathematics educators.
STEM teachers are often male, and Peterson believes that increasing teacher salaries will help to recruit and retain highly qualified educators, particularly in STEM.
Recognition and Ceremony
Peterson, who was selected as the National Teacher of the Year for 2023, will spend the next year serving as a representative for educators and acting as an ambassador for both students and teachers across the country.
According to the NEA, she will be relieved of her classroom duties for the year and will focus full-time on promoting the crucial role of teachers in the United States.
Peterson will attend a ceremony at the White House next Monday afternoon to recognize her victory and the entire 2023 state Teachers of the Year cohort.
First Lady Jill Biden, who is herself an educator, praised Peterson for sharing the beautiful and positive experiences that come with teaching.
2023 National Teacher of the Year
The National Teacher of the Year program is administered by the Council of Chief State School Officers, which selects one teacher annually from a group of State Teachers of the Year.
The objective of the program is to highlight the significance of teaching excellence and to acknowledge remarkable teachers who have exhibited excellence in teaching, dedication to their students and profession, and expertise in public speaking and advocacy.
In her role as National Teacher of the Year, Peterson plans to tell the stories of all that is good in education while uplifting her students.
She is excited to use her platform to advocate for higher salaries for educators and to represent the nation's teachers as an ambassador for students and teachers across the country.
Peterson's passion for teaching and her dedication to her students and profession are testaments to the vital role of educators in our society.
As she takes on her new role, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower her students and fellow educators.
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