JENKS, Oklv.- America’s Favorite Teacher is an annual competition where educators from across the country compete to be recognized for their contributions to the classroom. This year’s prize includes $25,000, a trip to Hawaii and a published story in Reader’s Digest. This year saw a local educator from Jenks Public Schools (JPS) compete and finish in third place.
Ramona “Lynnelle” Roberts is a transition coordinator with JPS and a Mvskoke citizen. Her parents are Mona “Koko” Lowe and the late Terry “Skipper” Roberts. She has four children, Jimsey, Rim, Michael and Trever Fish. Roberts has been a district transition coordinator for eight years, however she has taught for a total of 32 years.
The America’s Favorite Teacher website states, “Teachers are the unsung heroes who instill a love for learning, cultivate critical thinking skills, and nurture the potential of each student. Their dedication goes far beyond the classroom, influencing the character and values of the next generation. America’s Favorite Teacher reveres these mentors for holding the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals, creating leaders who will foster a brighter future for all,”
Roberts first heard about the America’s Favorite Teacher competition when she received an email questionnaire that asked basic questions pertaining to her favorite aspects of teaching. Although she did not realize it at the time, her email responses would officially enter her into the competition. When she found out she was in the running to be America’s favorite teacher she was filled with excitement.
Although the grand prize winner was not restricted by what they could spend their winnings on, Roberts initially had big plans if she had won the top prize. “I would improve some of our transition areas. I would love to buy new dresses and suits for our donation closet. I would love to spend some time with my family somewhere,” Roberts said.
The multi-week online competition saw Roberts hold strong in the top category within her group.
Although this was Roberts’ first time competing and placing within this competition, it is far from her first accolade. Roberts is the recipient of the 2023 Division on Career Development and Transition Educator of the Year, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (Sixth and Ninth edition), and the 2024 Oklahoma Family Network Professional of the Year.
Just last month Roberts was also the winner of a giveaway provided by The Chubbs & Kacy Show of the 106.9 K-Hits. Roberts received teaching supplies and a $500 Amazon gift card.
A Love for Education
Reflecting back on her career, Roberts shared that she enjoys being an educator because she helps provide brighter futures for her students.
“I love my job, I love what I do, I love working with students and I love working with parents. I made a resource guide for Jenks school with different resources in our area. Resources help them instead of looking for it for themselves,” Roberts said. “I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was young I taught the little children’s Sunday school class at my church so I could teach.”
Roberts tries to prepare students for life after graduating through teaching community skills, life skills and employment skills. At Jenks High School educators developed different stores, rooms and areas to teach them all of those skills to help prepare them for when they leave high school. These different activities included participating in mock interviews, making food, vacuuming, making beds, sorting out mail and pulling orders.
“I love seeing students grow. Small steps or huge steps, progress is progress and deserves to be celebrated. We have a thrift store, mock grocery store, greeting card lab, kitchen area, laundry area, PAES lab, living lab, mock mailroom, recycling area and garden area. We try to have a job every student can learn from,” Roberts said.“We just try to make them as independent as possible whenever they leave here and whether they’re college bound or they’re going to a new leaf or bridges or pathways or going straight to work or a technical school. I want to give them the skills they need to be successful to reach their goal in life.”
Although Roberts will not be in each students’ life forever, she remarked that it fills her with pride to see them take the next step after high school, whether it’s going straight into the workforce, or enrolling in higher education. She even stays in touch with students and makes herself available to answer questions that arise about life.
Throughout her educational career Roberts received advice to never give up on what she sets her mind on. For Roberts, that is providing for students and being creative. In each lesson she teaches, she strives for them to be fun but useful at the same time. That indelible spirit of never giving up on what one sets their mind on is advice that Roberts passes down to her own students. She believes that anyone can reach their goal with hard work
Roberts remarked on the teaching shortage the state of Oklahoma is currently facing. Although times like these can be trying, positive strides like seeing students graduate and become productive members of society make it all worthwhile for educators like Roberts.
“The kids are our future. Us being there for them, supporting them, guiding and directing them in the correct way to go,” Roberts said.
Roberts believes that each child needs a positive role model. As a tribal citizen, Roberts tries her best to be a good Native role model. She hopes to see more Native teachers in the classroom someday. When Roberts graduated from Okmulgee High School, she remarked that she only remembers one teacher who was Native. This inspired her to become an educator.
The America’s Favorite Teacher contest will announce its winner on Friday, June 7.
