Pryor Educator Recognized by Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas as Top Twenty Teacher

Posted Date: 04/03/2024

Pryor High School Teacher Tonya Mitchell has been named a Top Twenty Teacher.  Mitchell was chosen from out of more than 1,000 nominations to receive a $5,000 award from the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas. Additionally, Pryor High will also receive a check for $2,000 to further the site's educational mission. 

PHS Principal Dr. Fielding Elseman along with Assistant Principals Heather Burroughs and Jeff Cook surprised Mitchell with the award. “Mrs. Tonya Mitchell was selected as one of the Top Twenty Teachers of 2023-2024 because of her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and dedication to student success!” Elseman said. 

Mitchell’s nomination read in part, “Mrs Mitchell goes above and beyond for her students.  She adapts to them and teaches to their needs as well as academics.  She always has a smile and an open door.  She is full of resources and doesn’t stop until her students’ needs are met.  She works with each of her students individually on getting prepared for transition from high school to college.”

Upon receiving the award, a joyful Mitchell expressed her gratitude and said, “I couldn’t do this without the team. I couldn’t do this alone, without Mrs. Marsh.”

The people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas are dedicated to supporting teachers and investing in our future leaders. To achieve this purpose, they created the Top Twenty Teachers initiative to recognize some of Oklahoma’s great educators.