Bethel sixth grade teacher Reda Marcussen won the 2022 Junior High Educator Merit Award, presented by the Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation. She was one of 36 educators, support professionals and administrators who were honored as finalists for the Excellence in Education Merit and Character Awards by the POE Foundation at its annual banquet in April.
Mrs. Marcussen has been making a difference in the Bethel community for more than 30 years. She currently teaches English, speech and drama, humanities, and a gifted and talented class.
“Mrs. Marcussen exemplifies what it means to bring excellence into everything she does with our students,” said Tina Moon, principal at Bethel Middle School. “It is impossible to tally the total amounts of time and money she has invested in her students, Bethel Middle School and the Bethel community.”
As a Merit Award winner, Marcussen received a check for $500, a free POE membership and a commendation from Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell.
The Excellence in Education Awards Banquet recognizes and rewards Oklahoma educators who demonstrate a commitment to their students in teaching strength of character and excellence in the school or classroom. Award nominees must go through a rigorous application and evaluation process.
According to POE Foundation Executive Director Ginger Tinney, “These awards serve as an encouragement to not only Oklahoma educators, but also to the many businesses, organizations, and communities that have a stake in the character building and intellectual development of the children who will shape our state in the future.”