Teacher Of The Year Spotlight: Rachel Rhees

Fourth grade teacher Rachel Rhees was named Teacher of the Year for Jarman Elementary.

“The most important thing I do as a teacher is build relationships with my students,” Rhees said. “It is important for me to get to know them and their stories, just as much as it is for them to get to know me! I want to make sure they feel welcomed every day in my classroom and that they have a safe place to learn and be successful, no matter what.”

Rhee said, “What motivates me as a teacher is being able to see the ‘lightbulb’ moments when students finally get a skill that we have been working on, and see their confidence improve throughout the year.”

Rhees started teaching in 2018 at Union. “I was a Union lifer, so I knew I wanted to come back and teach at the district that I love so much!”

Graduating from Union High School in 2014, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Oklahoma State University. She received her English as a second language certification in 2022.

The District Teacher of The Year will be announced during a planned professional development and celebration on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Union Performing Arts Center.