Alums Honored as Teacher of the Year

Several Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education graduates have been honored as Teacher of the Year by their schools, districts and national organizations. Did we miss you? Let us know! Email mschneider@ou.edu with your award information.

Lauren Dile – Edmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year

Dile is a kindergarten teacher at West Field Elementary and graduated from the college in 2019 with a degree in early childhood education.


Dile joined the district in the fall of 2019. “Since I was a kindergartner myself, I have known that I wanted to become a teacher,” Dile said. “Teaching had me.”

Dile’s inspiration to teach came after her brother, who has a disability, was denied accommodations at a private school. “That was really what inspired me to be the teacher who is for all students,” Dile said. “I hope to be that kind of educator.” Click Here to Read More

Hannah Hodge – Yukon Public Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year

A 2019 graduate in English language arts education, Hodge teaches ninth- and 10^th-grade English at Yukon High School. The Norman native knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was 15. Hodge cited the positive influence of English teachers she had at Longfellow Middle School and Norman North High School.

“They had such an impact on me,” she shared. “They were so calm and empathetic.

“I became an English teacher because I love hearing people’s stories and about their backgrounds. You really get to experience that in the English setting.” Click Here to Read More

Matt Jackson – National Indian Education Association Classroom Teacher of the Year

A 2002 graduate of the college with a degree in social studies education, Jackson received the National Indian Education Association Classroom Teacher of the Year Award.

Matthew Mairet – Norman Public Schools Teacher of the Year

A 2018 graduate in early childhood education, Mairet is a second-grade teacher at Adams Elementary. As a leader at Adams, where he has worked since 2019, Mairet serves as a mentor teacher, the school’s on-site technology assistant and as a PTA member. He recently became an avid runner and started the Adams Running Club for teachers and worked as a volunteer at this year’s Oklahoma Memorial Kids Run.

Additionally, he is a member of Professional Educators of Norman, serving as the building representative in 2020-2021, and the Oklahoma Education Association. Mairet earned his associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

“Matthew’s passion for his profession is infectious, and his genuine care for students is apparent during any conversation you have with him,” Superintendent Nick Migliorino said. “He is also an incredible leader at Adams who aims to support and encourage his colleagues. A graduate of Norman Public Schools himself, Matthew is an advocate for public education and holds a strong belief that all students can achieve at high levels. I am proud to have Matthew represent Norman Public Schools and all of our talented educators.”

Mairet was selected through a competitive process, coordinated by the district’s Staff Development Committee. After being selected as the Teacher of the Year for Adams, he submitted a comprehensive portfolio, participated in various interviews and a video that showcased his teaching skills and philosophy. He was one of four finalists for the award and was crowned during the district's annual Celebration of Excellence event.
Release courtesy of Norman Public Schools