Oklahoma’s 2021 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Norman educator Jessica Eschbach named state’s top teacher

For the second time in 5 years, Norman’s Teacher of the Year was selected as Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year. Jessica Eschbach will serve the state in a new way starting in July as a representative and advocate for public education. Eschbach said she hopes to spend her time addressing the concerns of not only teachers but also for parents and all stakeholders of public education. “I am excited to have the opportunity to impact public education because I see the work teachers do every day,” she said. “I want to make my district and state proud and make things a little better if I can.” Despite already being named a site Teacher of the Year twice and currently holding the district’s honor, she said she never expect to be selected as Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year. “I never expected this but this is the biggest honor I could ask for. It stills feels like a dream.” Eschbach has worked at three different sites within the Norman district, as a classroom teacher, then a teacher librarian and now as an innovation coach. Those roles have given her different perspectives, specifically on the importance of equity. “I feel like I have become more aware of how different things can be for our children and, in this pandemic especially, how important equity is,” she shared. “I want all students to have the same opportunity for good, solid instruction and access to technology no matter where they live. I want that for every kid, just like I want that for my two kids.” Technology has been integral in classrooms but never more so than this academic school year. Eschbach said that instead of just another classroom tool, “technology has been our lifeline.” “Technology has allowed us to deliver quality education and make it easier to connect, but it’s more than that. Technology allows students to showcase their talents. So many students just thought they were bad at school but instead they just needed a new medium. Technology can boost kids up and encourage creativity beyond what we could have done before.” As an innovation coach, Eschbach is focused on helping teachers incorporate technology and other innovation teaching methods in their classrooms. She spends her days developing trainings and curriculum. “I work very closely with new teachers and teachers looking to change up their teaching style. It could be a day of meetings or I could be answering parent emails or helping librarians with a Star Wars escape room. There is no typical day but that is what is so appealing. You never get bored because you never stop moving, you never stop learning.” She will have to take a year sabbatical from the position, which she said is bitter sweet. “I hope I get to keep sneaking back to visit. They can’t get rid of me that easy.” Eschbach said she is proud to represent Norman. “Norman is a fantastic community with everyone’s involvement in our educational system. We are so proud of our schools in Norman and our kids.” – BSM