Peter Markes, an OCU alumni, was named 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Originally from Waukomis, Markes graduated from Enid High School, going on to graduate from OCU in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree with emphasis in violin and guitar. He is now the director of orchestras at Edmond North High School.
“The opportunities and challenges at OCU really helped,” Markes said. “And the endless resources for teaching was a really big part.”
Markes is the third OCU graduate to win State Teacher of the Year since 2006. Other alumni who have received the honor are Robyn Hilger and Heather Sparks.
“We are proud of the success of these alumni and how they have used the education the received here to positively influence the next generation,” said Leslie Berger, OCU’s director of public relations.
Markes won the award after a lengthy selection process. A series of local and regional committees nominates 12 teachers for the yearly award, which is then approved by the State Superintendent.
“It’s an honor, but I know it comes with great responsibility,” Markes said. “Every day, I try to read and learn more so I can represent this title better.”
Markes said there are numerous things he loves about teaching.
“If the administrative part is getting to me, when I get to stand in front of those kids and we start to work together, that’s what makes the job awesome,” Markes said. “I love watching them grow through music. I call it ‘the progress through the process’ – to see what is possible though music.”
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