Some local educators are up for the state's top award.  Today, 12 finalists are announced for the 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. John Nolan of Norman, Sheri Admire of Midwest City, and Heather Sparks of Oklahoma City Public Schools are 3 of them from the metro area.  They will be judged on things like classroom skills, getting parents interested in their kid's education, and connecting with the students.  The winner will be given more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Sandy Garrett, the Oklahoma State Superintendent said, "What's important is what happens in that classroom with that teacher and you can see that in the commonality of the twelve, they all cared greatly for their students and the subject area."

The winner will be announced on September 16th at the Oklahoma State Fair.

Here are all of the nominees:  

• Sherilynn Admire of Midwest City Public Schools.
• Debbie Flowers of Meeker Public Schools.
• Betsy Ellen Glad of Union Public Schools.
• Matthew Holtzen of Enid Public Schools.
• Valorie Ann Lewis of Stigler Public Schools.
• Cheryl McCord of Jenks Public Schools.
• John Daniel Nolan of Norman Public Schools.
• Denise Radcliff of Claremore Public Schools.
• Many Rowley of Woodward Public Schools.
• Phillip R. Scott of McAlester Public Schools.
• Heather Sparks of Oklahoma City Public Schools.
• Nolan Watson of Cache Public Schools.