The trio named to the Oklahoma Educator Hall of Fame

Three Oklahoma educators have been selected to be inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame.

Longtime geography teacher and geography teacher Gary Gress, public schools superintendent Joy Hofmeister and former public schools superintendent Norman Joe Siano will be honored at an induction ceremony on November 6 at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

“We are proud that the 34th Class of Hall of Fame recognizes and honors a trio of educators whose contributions to public education are so varied but equally valued in a profession uniquely focused on student success,” said Sharon Lease, Executive Director of Oklahoma Educators Hall. glory. “The pandemic has been a powerful reminder of the importance of public education in our daily lives, and we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the immense contributions of these three dedicated educators. “

Gress’s career in public education began in 1971, and he has spent most of his career sharing his love of geography with students from Oklahoma City, Moore, and Norman. Over the past decade, he has extended his teaching to higher education, as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Oklahoma.

As a leader of the National Council for Geographic Education and the Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education, Gress has served as a mentor to countless fellow educators.

“Gary just cares about teachers and students, invigorating them with his passion for geography in and outside the classroom,” said Jeffrey Widener, associate professor of the OU and director of the OU. Center for Spatial Analysis, by naming Gress. “I haven’t met another teacher who more deserves this honor.”

A former public school teacher, Hofmeister is nearing the end of two terms as the state’s top education official. During her seven years of service, she led the effort for two teacher salary increases.

Hofmeister served on the State Board of Education before running for office. She has helped public schools meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Superintendent Hofmeister’s service to the state of Oklahoma and to the children of our state is truly remarkable,” said Lease. “She and our schools faced challenges that no one anticipated or could have imagined, but she led with boldness and empathy and courage to ensure that the needs of students, educators and communities were met. top priority. ”

Siano has worked for more than four decades in public education. From classroom teacher to administrator to superintendent, Siano is well known for his 17-year tenure as Superintendent of Norman Public Schools. He also continues to support public education and the wider community during his retirement. Siano is an associate executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, where he provides training and mentorship to school board members and district leaders statewide, as well as to numerous community boards.

“Dr. Siano has one of the strongest moral and ethical foundations of anyone I know. His unruffled compass draws people to him and makes him a leader to follow,” said Shawn Hime, CEO of the ‘OSSBA. “His commitment to Oklahoma children and their well-being is never in doubt; it is the lens through which he sees the world.

For more information on the induction ceremony and ticket information, contact Lease at 405-692-3190 or [email protected].