The 2022 Norman Public Schools District Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual Celebration of Excellence on April 15. Keep reading to learn more about the six incredible educators who are finalists for this recognition - Rob Bradshaw, Molly Dettmann, Beth Gilberg, Elizabeth Johnson, Lisa Raiber and Taylor Witte.
Molly Dettmann
Librarian • Norman North High School
When Molly Dettmann was 9 years old, she attended a drama camp where students created their own plays. Each kid portrayed a different townsperson, and Dettmann filled the librarian role. The childhood portrayal later came to fruition in Dettmann’s future career.
Beth Gilberg
Reading Interventionist • Lincoln Elementary
Reading has always been Beth Gilberg’s jam. As the reading interventionist at Lincoln Elementary, Gilberg’s role is to aid students in learning how to read. Gilberg said when students come up to her and admit they don’t know how to do so, she encourages them by sharing how much she enjoys teaching those skills.
Elizabeth Johnson
English Language Arts Teacher • Dimensions Academy
Although it was Elizabeth Johnson’s original intent to become a teacher, it took her a few years to find her way into a classroom. But her journey worked out how it was supposed to when she ended up at Dimensions Academy, Norman Public Schools’ alternative education program and a place where Johnson says she belongs.
Lisa Raiber
Reading Specialist • Monroe Elementary
Lisa Raiber can remember the exact moment she realized she needed to pursue her reading degree. As a second grade teacher, Raiber was sitting at the table with her reading group, using her basal reader to teach them, and she thought, “If I ever have a child who comes to me and they don’t know how to read, I don’t know what to do.” That’s when she decided to expand her knowledge base and prepare for a role as a reading specialist.
