Rebecka Peterson, a 10th -12th grade mathematics teacher at Union High School in Tulsa and a Top 5 Finalist for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year award by the Council of Chief State Schools Officers (CCSSO), was recognized in the House of Representatives on Monday.
Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, chair of the House Common Education Committee and a former teacher, presented Peterson with a citation on the House floor. Other members of the House, including those whose districts include the Union School District, gathered to congratulate her.
“It was such an honor and a privilege to be able recognize this outstanding educator and express our deep appreciation for her and the work she does on behalf of students,” Baker said. “How incredible to be named among the top five educators in the entire nation. We couldn’t be more proud than we are of Rebecka Peterson and the inspiration she gives to her students and to others in her profession.”
Peterson teaches pre-calculus and Advanced Placement (AP) calculus and has served as a an AP reader for calculus. This is her 14th year in education and her 11th at Union High School. This is the first time in Union’s history their district has had a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced in April.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Peterson earned a Masters of Arts in mathematics at the University of South Dakota.
Baker’s citation noted that Peterson “has earned the respect and admiration of her family, friends, co-workers and community for her endless dedication to teaching, as well as, the care and generosity that she gives to each of her students.”
