Submitted by Barry Fuxa, SPS PR and Communications Coordinator
Stillwater High School mathematics teacher Michael Porter has been named the Stillwater Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a May 2 ceremony honoring each of the district’s site-level Teachers of the Year.
“Mr. Porter is a pillar of Stillwater High School and Stillwater Public Schools,” says SHS Principal Walter Howell. “He’s taught mathematics here for 34 years. He’s a former coach. He’s a club sponsor. He’s a trusted colleague who means so much to so many people at SHS! He’s a huge supporter of our students and cares deeply that his students are well prepared for their next step, whatever that may be.”
“Perhaps the thing I admire most about Mr. Porter is his positive attitude,” says Howell. “I have never, and I repeat, never seen him in a bad mood. He exudes the attitude that we all want in a teacher. He loves his job and he loves our students. I am honored to work alongside him. I am thrilled that he has received this recognition as the SPS Teacher of the Year.”
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Porter was selected for the honor by a district committee from among eleven site-level honorees, each chosen by a vote of their colleagues.
Porter expressed humility upon receiving the recognition. “I am so blessed to be a part of such an incredible family here at Stillwater High School,” he says. “I am surrounded by outstanding teachers and principals. The entire staff truly cares for each other. It is a remarkable culture we have built.”
When asked what the award means to him, Porter instead chose to highlight the achievements of Stillwater students. “The real stars of the show are our amazing students. Stillwater is famous for academics. We have an entire trophy case full of academic state championships. But it’s not limited to just excelling in the classroom, these kids are good at everything.”
“Our athletic teams continue to shine. Wrestling brought home another state championship. The musicals are extraordinary. It’s like being on Broadway. We boast the best FFA program in the nation. Our Aviation classes are soaring. Stillwater students can graduate with a pilot’s license. FCCLA had four national qualifiers. The Pathfinder program is changing lives. Band, softball, orchestra, chorale, baseball are all accomplishing great things. Our students possess so much talent. The list goes on and on, but you can not talk about Stillwater High School without spotlighting SMAC. Stillwater Makes A Change is a massive fundraiser run by our High School students to benefit a Stillwater organization. Every year these students raise thousands of dollars to help the Stillwater community. This year SMAC donated over $80,000 to Payne County Youth Services. Stillwater kids helping Stillwater people.”
It’s clear to see Porter’s passion for his job, his school, and the students he supports.
As part of the Teacher of the Year Ceremony, each Teacher of the Year was featured in a highlight video. In Porter’s video, student comments underscored his ever-positive attitude, the welcoming and supportive environment he fosters at SHS, and his talent for making math both fun and understandable.
All site honorees received gift baskets filled with items and gift cards from local businesses. Each was also awarded $200 by the Stillwater Public Education Foundation through the Larry Gish Memorial Fund. In addition, the Wilson Auto Family presented Porter with the keys to a new Chevy Equinox, which he will drive for two years. Wilson also contributed $1,000 to each site Teacher of the Year and $4,000 to the district winner, a portion of which covers insurance and vehicle registration.
The 2024 SPS site-level Teachers of the Year are:
Courtney Parks – Library Media Specialist – Highland Park Elementary
Hannah Day – Kindergarten – Sangre Ridge Elementary
Annie Ortiz – Enrichment – Skyline Elementary
Caleb Davis – Fifth Grade – Westwood Elementary
Karen Holman – Third Grade – Will Rogers Elementary
Rebekah Jimenez – ELL – Stillwater Middle School
Madeline El Ouarraqe – Special Services – Stillwater Junior High
Carmen Ryan – Virtual Secondary – Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy
Scott Petermann – Social Studies – Lincoln Alternative Academy
As District Teacher of the Year, Porter will represent Stillwater Public Schools in the competition for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Asked once more to reflect on the honor, Porter shared, “At Stillwater High School the standard of excellence is set very high. I am honored to be a part of it, and as I say all the time … It’s a great day to be a Pioneer.”
