During surprise visits to schools, Superintendent Ebony Johnson, TCTA President Shawna Mott-Wright, and AFT Local 6049 President Nancy Leonard surprised ten members of Team Tulsa with the news that they have been named as finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year or 2026 Support Professional of the Year.

The district’s five 2026 Teacher of the Year finalists are: Sarah Baker from Hawthorne Elementary, Kara Donnini from Hale Middle School, Akela Leach from Lanier Elementary, Kraig Mewbourne from Edison Preparatory Middle School, and Resha Vo from McLain High School.

Sarah Baker serves as the English language development teacher at Hawthorne. She joined Team Tulsa in 2021 and is passionate about supporting immigrant and multilingual students. Inspired by her family’s international adoption experience, Sarah is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where students grow in language, confidence, and connection.

Kara Donnini teaches 8th grade history, serving as the department lead at Hale. She joined Team Tulsa in 2022 when she felt called to education to impact all teenagers, especially those without strong support systems and meet both their academic and emotional needs. She loves teaching because building strong relationships helps students feel seen, valued, and safe, empowering them to grow far beyond the classroom.

Akela Leach has served at Lanier for eleven years, including nine years teaching fifth grade social studies and English language arts. She began her career as a paraprofessional with Tulsa Public Schools before becoming a classroom teacher. Akela loves helping students build confidence and leadership skills as they prepare for the transition to middle school, and she enjoys watching their academic and personal growth throughout the year.

Kraig Mewbourne is in his second year teaching history and leadership at Edison. He also serves as the student council sponsor. Kraig pursued education after years in student ministry and a lifelong dream of teaching and coaching young people. He loves teaching because of the meaningful relationships he builds with students, believing that students care most when they know they are cared for.

Resha Vo has served as a special education teacher at McLain for eleven years. After a successful career in corporate America and a decade as a Junior Achievement volunteer serving over 500 students, Resha followed her passion into education. She loves teaching because of the meaningful relationships she builds with students and families and the daily opportunity to learn and grow alongside her students.

The district’s 2026 Support Professionals of the Year finalists are: Tyseeke Edwards from Anderson Elementary, Ashley Jackson from Hawthorne Elementary, Tonya Mure from Central High School, Anisia Simpson from Thoreau Demonstration Academy, and Rolanda Watkins from Booker T. Washington High School.

Tyseeke Edwards joined Team Tulsa in 2000 and has served the Anderson community for fourteen years as the parent involvement facilitator. Tyseeke loves her role because it allows her to build strong relationships with students and families while positively impacting lives. She finds great joy in supporting the Anderson community and mentoring new parent facilitators across the district.

Ashley Jackson has served as a paraprofessional at Hawthorne since joining Team Tulsa in 2019. Ashley loves working closely with students, building meaningful relationships, and helping them feel seen, supported, and encouraged each day. She finds great joy in being part of a caring school community where she can make a positive difference in students’ lives.

Tonya Mure has proudly served with Team Tulsa since 1997 and currently works as the attendance clerk at Central. With nearly three decades of service, Tonya is dedicated to helping students in any way she can. She loves her job because she is “more than just an attendance clerk,” serving as a backup nurse, receptionist, decorator, and designer doing whatever it takes to support her school community.

Anisia Simpson has proudly served the Thoreau community for 12 years as a paraprofessional supporting the special needs population. Recognized for her strong skill set and leadership, Anisia has taken on additional responsibilities at the request of her principal and successfully multitasks across a variety of projects that support the school family. She loves working at Thoreau because of its rich diversity and vibrant culture, and she values being part of a community where every student belongs.

Rolanda Watkins has been a dedicated member of Team Tulsa since 1987. Over her nearly four decades of service, she has supported students and staff at Hawthorne, Springdale, and now Booker T. Washington High School as principal's secretary. Rolanda loves working in a school setting because it gives her purpose helping students recognize their greatness and prepare for a bright future.

The Tulsa Public Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year and Support Professional of the Year will be announced at a special event in April.

Click here to view photos from the Teacher of the Year finalist surprises, and click here to view the Support Professional of the Year surprises.