MUSTANG PUBLIC SCHOOLS

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Tyler Lusher, Mustang Central Middle School If you had told Tyler Lusher years ago that he’d end up teaching U.S. History and coaching basketball instead of practicing law, he might have laughed. But life has a way of leading people where they’re needed most. Armed with a Juris Doctor from OU’s College of Law, Tyler could have pursued a legal career—but instead, he chose to stand in front of a classroom, guiding students to think critically, analyze deeply, and understand the world beyond their textbooks. Inspired by his own teachers and coaches, Tyler realized that education is about more than knowledge—it’s about mentorship, leadership, and equipping students for life beyond the classroom. Now, as an 8th-grade U.S. History teacher, 8th Grade Team Leader, and girls' basketball coach at Mustang Central Middle School, Tyler is shaping the next generation—not just with history lessons, but with lessons for life: ? Teaches students to challenge their thinking, seek understanding, and see history as a tool for personal growth. ? Leads with clarity and purpose, ensuring students understand why history matters and how it applies to their lives. ? Coaches and mentors through basketball, instilling accountability, discipline, and leadership beyond the classroom. ? Advocates for students and teachers, from presenting at professional development days to walking students into their representatives’ offices to discuss education funding. ?? Student Reflections: "Coach Lusher doesn’t just want us to pass the test—he wants us to remember the lessons history teaches us. He cares about us as young people who need to be equipped for life ahead." – Trinity Wright, 8th Grader "My favorite thing about Coach Lusher is how much effort he put into being a teacher and how much he cared about all of his students on a personal and academic level. I knew that anytime I had a problem, I could come to him and trust that he would know exactly what to do and say. I don’t think I’ve had one teacher care about me as much as he did." – Diana Corona-Perez, Sophomore at MHS ?? Most Memorable Teaching Moment: "One of my favorite moments was walking my high school students into their representatives' offices to discuss the funding of education. Seeing them advocate for themselves was an incredible experience." ?? Teaching Philosophy: "Clarity is the foundation of learning. A student should always know what they are learning, why it matters, and how to succeed." ?? Join us in celebrating Tyler Lusher, an extraordinary educator, mentor, and coach who is preparing Mustang students for success in history and life! Drop a comment below to congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. #HistoryEducation #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #Mentorship #StudentSuccess #WeAreMustang

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: John Page, Mustang Middle School ?? At Mustang Public Schools, we celebrate educators who empower, inspire, and impact the next generation—and John Page embodies that mission every day. As Mustang Middle School’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, John goes beyond teaching history—he creates a classroom where students feel valued, challenged, and equipped to shape their futures. His journey into education was deeply personal. After losing his mother at a young age, John found guidance and mentorship in the teachers and coaches who helped shape his path. Inspired by their impact, he has committed his career to paying that support forward—ensuring his students see their own potential and understand the relevance of history in their lives today. As a Social Studies Department Chair, Leadership Council Member, and Multi-Sport Coach, John: ? Creates a classroom culture where students feel safe to think critically and lead with integrity. ? Guides students beyond academics, helping them build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. ? Leads by example, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom and into the school community. ?? Student Reflection: "My most favorite thing about his class is that I was able to simply exist without the pressures to be someone I wasn’t. I didn’t realize how rare this was as an eighth grader, but I remember noticing the peace I felt when I was in his classroom." – Brooklyn Rader, Former Student ?? Most Meaningful Teaching Moment: "The most rewarding moments happen when students recognize their own growth—when they connect history to their own lives and realize they have the power to shape their futures." ?? Teaching Philosophy: "Empower, inspire, and impact—the next generation is watching." ?? Please join us in celebrating John Page, an incredible educator and mentor who is shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Drop a comment below to congratulate him on this well-deserved honor! #EducationLeadership #Mentorship #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #StudentSuccess #WeAreMustang #HistoryMatters

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Jacob Chen, Canyon Ridge Intermediate ?? At Mustang Public Schools, we believe that music is more than notes and rhythms—it’s about connection, creativity, and community. And for Jacob Chen, this philosophy is at the heart of his teaching. As Canyon Ridge Intermediate’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Jacob creates an environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to express themselves through music. With seven years of teaching experience, Jacob is a leader in music education and an advocate for student engagement through cultural exploration and performance: ? Kodály-Certified Educator, bringing research-based music instruction to his students. ? Regional Chair for OkMEA’s Circle the State with Song, helping students across Oklahoma experience the joy of choir. ? Presenter at Music Education Workshops, sharing expertise on folk dance and interactive music instruction. ? Professional Musician & Composer, with two albums of original compositions. His goal? To provide safe spaces where students can explore music, build confidence, and connect with each other in meaningful ways. ?? Student Reflection: "Mr. Chen is really fun to have as a music teacher. He teaches us songs from different cultures, and it’s really fun when we get to folk dance!" ?? Favorite Classroom Moment: "At the end of every concert, I lead a community song where the audience sings along with the choir. Hearing a room filled with voices coming together is always a powerful reminder of why I teach." ?? Teaching Philosophy: "Build community through music and dance." ?? Join us in celebrating Jacob Chen for his dedication to music education and student growth! Drop a comment below to congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. #MusicEducation #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #StudentSuccess #FineArts #ChoirDirector #WeAreMustang

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Erin Tobiason, Lakehoma Elementary ?? At Mustang Public Schools, we celebrate educators who empower students to exceed expectations—and Erin Tobiason exemplifies that mission every day. As Lakehoma Elementary’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Erin is dedicated to meeting students where they are and helping them grow beyond what they ever imagined. Her path to education was inspired by a middle school field trip that sparked her passion for working with students with special needs. After pursuing different career paths, she ultimately answered the call to teach—stepping into a role where she could advocate for students, celebrate their successes, and guide them through challenges. As Lakehoma’s Student Services Department Head, Erin leads with patience, dedication, and expertise: ? Certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and Autism Support to create structured, supportive learning environments. ? Advancing Special Education Leadership – Currently working toward ADOS certification to support autism identification for educational purposes. ? Mentoring & Collaboration – Recognized for her ability to connect with students with challenging behaviors and redirect their energy into positive growth. ?? Student Reflection: "I’m thankful for Ms. Tobiason because she has the sweetest heart in the world." ?? Most Meaningful Teaching Moment: "There’s no finer moment than when a student experiences success—when the light bulb comes on and their confidence rises because they know their hard work paid off." ?? Teaching Philosophy: "If you meet a child where they are, you can support them to succeed beyond what anyone—including the student—ever imagined." ?? Join us in celebrating Erin Tobiason, an extraordinary educator and advocate for student success! Drop a comment below to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor. #SpecialEducation #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #StudentSuccess #InclusiveEducation #WeAreMustang

? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Elizabeth Michael, Creek Elementary ? At Mustang Public Schools, we celebrate educators who make learning meaningful, joyful, and engaging—and Elizabeth Michael does exactly that. As Creek Elementary’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Elizabeth is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Inspired by her mother and grandmother—both lifelong educators—Elizabeth knew from a young age that she wanted to follow in their footsteps. Today, she carries their passion forward by building strong relationships, fostering creativity, and making school a place where students love to be. Beyond the classroom, Elizabeth is a: ? Team Leader – Supporting fellow educators and fostering collaboration. ? Relationship-Driven Educator – Centering her teaching philosophy on trust, connection, and belonging. ? Champion of Joyful Learning – Leading Friday dance parties ?? that bring students (and even former students!) back year after year. ?? Student Reflection: "Your room is beautiful, you are so nice, and you taught me everything I know!" – Former Student ?? Favorite Classroom Moment: Turning the classroom into a celebration of learning, where students dance, play, and engage with excitement every day. ?? Teaching Philosophy: "Building positive relationships is one of the most important things you can do as a teacher!" ?? Advice for Future Educators: "Enjoy every moment! The days may feel long, but the year flies by. Have fun, play basketball at recess, and dance with your students—it’s the little things that make the biggest difference." Join us in celebrating Elizabeth Michael and her incredible impact at Mustang Creek Elementary! Drop a comment below to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor. ?? #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #StudentSuccess #InnovationInTeaching #WeAreMustang

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Courtney Harris, Mustang Valley Elementary ?? At Mustang Public Schools, we celebrate educators who inspire a love of learning, build confidence, and shape the future—and Courtney Harris does exactly that. As Mustang Valley Elementary’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Courtney creates an engaging, movement-based learning environment where Pre-K students sing, dance, and discover the joy of school every day. With nearly a decade in education, Courtney has dedicated her career to: ? Building relationships with students and families to create a foundation of trust. ? Using movement-based learning to help young learners retain information and develop strong social-emotional skills. ? Leading and mentoring fellow educators, serving on the Great Expectations and PBIS Leadership Teams. ? Fostering a structured and loving classroom where students feel safe, celebrated, and ready to grow. ?? Student Reflection: "My favorite thing about Ms. Harris is how nice and lovie she is. She always makes me smile and laugh!" – Former Student ?? Most Meaningful Teaching Moment: Seeing students who once struggled with school transform into confident learners who walk in smiling and say, “I love school!” or “Today is the best day ever!” ?? Teaching Superpower: "Engaging students through movement—whether through a dance, a song, or a hands-on lesson, learning is always in motion." ?? Advice for Future Educators: "Build relationships! Students need to know they are in a safe space where mistakes are okay. Be the adult they can trust, but also the one who challenges them to be their best." Please join us in celebrating Courtney Harris for her incredible leadership in early childhood education! Drop a comment below to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor. ?? #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #StudentSuccess #InnovationInTeaching #WeAreMustang

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Elisabeth Yocham, Prairie View Elementary ?? At Mustang Public Schools, we celebrate educators who create safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments—and Elisabeth Yocham embodies this mission. As Prairie View Elementary’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Elisabeth fosters a kindergarten classroom where students feel at home, valued, and ready to explore the world. Inspired by her mother’s passion for teaching, Elisabeth carries that same dedication into her work, using literature, hands-on activities, and creative play to spark curiosity and confidence in young learners. Beyond her classroom, Elisabeth: ? Leads as a team lead – fostering collaboration among colleagues. ? Advocates for early childhood education – securing a Garden Grant Award to enhance hands-on learning. ? Focuses on student well-being – holding a De-Escalation Certification to support emotional growth. ?? Student Reflection: "I love this house you have (when speaking about my classroom)." – Current Kindergarten Student ?? Favorite Classroom Moment: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich project, where students act as chefs, film their process, and proudly share their work—combining creativity, confidence, and joy in learning. ?? Teaching Philosophy: "Love them first, keep them safe, and watch them grow." ?? Teaching Superpower: Using storytelling and literature to build empathy, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. Please join us in celebrating Elisabeth Yocham for her dedication to Mustang’s youngest learners! Drop a comment below to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor. ?? #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #StudentSuccess #InnovationInTeaching #WeAreMustang

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Carissa Shelton, Mustang Education Center ?? With 26 years in education, Carissa Shelton has dedicated her career to fostering a love of learning in students of all abilities. As a developmentally delayed Pre-K educator at Mustang Education Center, she provides young learners with a structured, nurturing, and engaging environment—ensuring their first experiences in school are positive, supportive, and fun. Beyond her classroom, Carissa’s leadership and mentorship extend across the district: ? Mentor teacher – Guiding and supporting fellow educators. ? Special Olympics Coach – Empowering athletes in the equestrian program. ? Education Advocate – Serving on the ELA committee and leading as an elementary team leader. Her philosophy? “All students can learn and should be given the opportunity to prove their abilities with support.” Carissa’s classroom is built on structure, routine, and encouragement, ensuring every student gains confidence and a strong foundation for lifelong learning. ?? Student Reflection: "I love playing toys with Ms. Carissa, learning letters like A, and learning colors like blue!" – Current Pre-K Student ?? Advice for Future Educators: "Teaching is the hardest profession out there, but it is the most rewarding career. I would do it all again!" Please join us in celebrating Carissa Shelton, Mustang Education Center’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year! Drop a comment below to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor. ?? #EducationLeadership #EarlyChildhoodEducation #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #Mentorship #SpecialEducation #StudentSuccess

?? Save the Date: Mustang Public Schools Career Fair 2025! ?? Are you ready to explore exciting career opportunities? Discover your limitless potential and connect with the MPS family at our upcoming Career Fair! ?? Date: April 7, 2025 ? Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM ?? Location: Mustang Performing Arts Center, 200 W Juniper Dr, Mustang, OK 73064 ?? From teaching to support roles, there’s a place for YOU in Mustang Public Schools. Visit us to learn how you can join our amazing team! For more details, visit ?? https://lnkd.in/gQ5su_CB. Let’s build a brighter future together! #WeAreMustang #MPSTalent

?? Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Brandon Mathes, Mustang High School ?? At Mustang Public Schools, we celebrate educators who inspire, innovate, and lead—and Brandon Mathes is the perfect example. Named Mustang High School’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Brandon brings his passion for mathematics and mentorship into everything he does. A Mustang High School alumnus turned educator, Brandon’s journey has come full circle. After a successful career as a professional baseball player, he returned to Mustang to coach, mentor, and teach the next generation of students. As an Algebra 1 teacher, he fosters an environment where students gain confidence in problem-solving, using critical thinking strategies and real-world applications to make learning meaningful. Beyond the classroom, Brandon is a: ? Mentor teacher – supporting new educators and shaping the future of math instruction. ? Innovator – implementing the Building Thinking Classrooms methodology to deepen student engagement. ? Leader – serving as an Algebra 1 team leader and former math department chair. ? Coach & Role Model – using lessons from athletics to inspire resilience and teamwork in his students. ?? Student Reflection: "Mr. Mathes makes Algebra a memorable class. Whether it's helping those in need, making us believe in ourselves, or pushing us to think harder, he always encourages us to persevere. You can tell he loves when we succeed." – Lincoln Stepanek, Student ?? Teaching Philosophy: "Build the relationship first, make your class fun, engaging, and inviting to all students every day." Join us in celebrating Brandon Mathes for his dedication to student success and leadership in education. Drop a comment below to congratulate him on this well-deserved honor! ?? #EducationLeadership #BroncoPride #MPSTeachersOfTheYear #MathematicsEducation #Mentorship #InnovationInTeaching #StudentSuccess