Alva Review-Courier -

Gerrett Spears is a finalist for the Olan Isbell Merit Award from the Professional Educators of Oklahoma. Olan Isbell was the founder of the original educators association. The Excellence in Education Award recognizes and rewards Oklahoma educators who demonstrate a commitment to their students in teaching strength of character and excellence in the school or classroom.

Once he was nominated, he was asked to go through a rigorous application process requiring resumes, essays and reference letters, which all took place in November. Spears was just recently notified that he is a finalist for the award. He says that all finalists will attend an awards ceremony in April where the winner will be announced. Spears was nominated, but is unaware of who nominated him.

He says, "This award is not about me or what I have done. This award is about our faculty, staff and students. This award just happens to be for an administrator, but it's our school district and its thriving practices. This award is more than me, it's a testament of our growth as a district. I am grateful for the opportunity to be at Burlington and the support to begin new initiatives."