When Daniel Buckmaster was named the best Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher, he turned around to hug his wife,
She was on the stage with him Thursday night as one of nine Teacher of the Year finalists selected from nearly 2,000 teachers in the district.
“We're on the same team,” he said, “and I want to thank my teammate, my best friend and the love of my life.”
The Buckmasters and the seven other Teacher of the Year finalists were honored Thursday at an awards ceremony by the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools.
In his acceptance speech, Buckmaster thanked his teachers, who took the time to encourage and inspire a slow reader with middle-of-the-road test scores.
He said he hopes to give each of his students the same attention.
“My job is not to raise test scores but to raise up men and women above their circumstances,” said Buckmaster, who teaches sixth-grade science at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School.
Buckmaster has taught more than 1,000 students in his seven years as an Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher. Regardless of test scores, each of those children has an incredible talent and passion waiting to be discovered, he said.
“We are lucky to have these OKC kids,” he said. “They're the best and their potential is unlimited.”
Superintendent Karl Springer said he appreciates Buckmaster's acceptance of his students.
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