UCO Recognizes Excellence in Teaching at Honoring a Noble Profession Banquet
Dec. 9, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma recognized eight outstanding Oklahoma educators during the annual Honoring a Noble Profession (HANP) banquet, celebrating excellence in teaching through the inaugural Outstanding Student Teacher Supervisor Award, the Dr. Joann McCarthy Inspiring Educator Award, the UCO Inspiring Early Career Teachers Award and the Outstanding Teacher Mentor Award.
The event also recognized Central’s newest graduating class of 93 teacher candidates and honored distinguished alumni who have made significant impacts in the field of education. Kurt Russell, the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, delivered the keynote address.
Linda Hibbs, adjunct professor of student teaching and UCO alumna, received the inaugural Outstanding Student Teacher Supervisor Award. Hibbs has served as a supervisor since 2013, supporting and coaching more than 163 UCO student teachers.
The Dr. Joann McCarthy Inspiring Educator Award, which honors innovative alumni who inspire students, colleagues and communities, was presented to Andi Jarzombek, first grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School, part of Oklahoma City Public Schools; and Jordan Hopper, English teacher at Edmond North High School, part of Edmond Public Schools.
Kaycee Castrop (left), a second grade teacher at Skyview Elementary in Yukon Public Schools and recipient of the Inspiring Early Career Educator Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.
Tenishea Lewis (left), a science teacher at Putman City High School and recipient of the Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies
Emilee Holley (left), a teacher at Frontier Elementary in Edmond and recipient of the Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.
Linda Hibbs (left), adjunct professor of Student Teaching at UCO and recipient of the Outstanding Student Teacher Supervisor award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.
Andi Jarzombek (left), a first grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School in Oklahoma City and recipient of the Dr. Joann McCarthy Inspiring Educator Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.
Jordan Hopper (left), an English teacher at Edmond North High School and recipient of the Dr. Joann McCarthy Inspiring Educator Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.
Isabelle Esau (left), a math teacher at Ida Freeman Elementary in Edmond Public Schools and recipient of the Inspiring Early Career Educator Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.
Ashlynn Stewart-DeBusk (left), drama teacher at Hartland Middle School in Edmond Public Schools and recipient of the Inspiring Early Career Educator Award, with Bryan Duke, Ph.D. (right), Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies.The Inspiring Early Career Educator Award, recognizing educators with less than three years of classroom experience who exemplify Central’s mission of transformative learning through leadership, was awarded to Isabelle Esau, fourth grade teacher at Ida Freeman Elementary, part of Edmond Public Schools; Ashlynn Stewart-DeBusk, drama teacher at Heartland Middle School, part of Edmond Public Schools; and Kaycee Castrop, second grade teacher at Skyview Elementary, part of Yukon Public Schools.
The Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award was presented to Tenishea Lewis, science teacher at Putnam City High School, part of Putnam City Public Schools; and Emilee Holley, fifth grade teacher at Frontier Elementary, part of Edmond Public Schools.
"HANP is a tradition at UCO where we celebrate our long history of educator preparation in Oklahoma and our newest group of graduating student teachers," said Kim Pennington, Ph.D., assistant dean of Central’s College of Education and Professional Studies and director of Educator Preparation.
"Classroom teachers play an essential role in our democratic society, and on this day, we welcome our newest graduates into the honorable profession."
For more information about UCO’s Jolene Schwind Office of Teacher Education, visit www.uco.edu/ceps/teacher-education-services.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma recognized eight outstanding Oklahoma educators during the annual Honoring a Noble Profession (HANP) banquet, celebrating excellence in teaching through the inaugural Outstanding Student Teacher Supervisor Award, the Dr. Joann McCarthy Inspiring Educator Award, the UCO Inspiring Early Career Teachers Award and the Outstanding Teacher Mentor Award.
