TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation recently honored 13 educators during the tribe’s annual Teacher of the Year awards banquet held at the Chota Conference Center in Tahlequah.
The 13 honorees were recognized for exemplifying traditional Cherokee values and attributes that are integral to leadership and achieving shared goals.
“As a child of an educator, my father, I have seen firsthand the joy and fulfillment teaching brings to educators,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We need to have the backs of educators today as public schools see spending decrease over time unless a student happens to live in a prosperous district. These awards are just a small token of our appreciation from the tribe.”
The traditional attributes displayed by the recognized educators reflect the Cherokee understanding of effective leadership to realize a shared purpose.
The 2026 Teacher of the Year is Travis Battles, of Chelsea. Travis has served as an educator for 24 years and serves the Chelsea Public Schools.
Other honorees recognized during the ceremony include:
- Darlene Littledeer, of Grand View School, Communicative
- Bethany Simpson, of Tahlequah Public Schools, Strong
- Joleta Cone, of Tenkiller School, Respectful
- Shelly Beck, of Warner Public Schools, Integrity
- Cassie Roedenbeck, of Roland Public School, Leader
- Brooke Himrod, of Maryetta Public School, Responsible
- Dian Walker, of Stilwell Public Schools, Confident
- Jo Lea, of Peavine Public School, Teach
- Carlie Crutchfield, of Collinsville Public Schools, Patient
- Russell Sullivan, of Broken Arrow Public Schools, Cooperative
- Sara Nelson, of Glenpool Public Schools, Determined
- Lisa Griffith, of Osage Hills Public Schools, Humble
Teachers are nominated by exemplifying Cherokee attributes in their classroom, such as holding students sacred, persevering through challenges, upholding consistent standards, modeling admirable behavior, engaging in open communication, instilling self-assurance balanced with humility, collaborating to lift up the community, dedicating themselves fully to the role of educator, generously sharing knowledge, approaching their work with patience and humility, and demonstrating resolve rooted in cultural identity.
Education Services Interim Executive Director Aaron Emberton attended the ceremony in support of the nominated educators. Emberton along with other Cherokee Nation leaders presented the awards to the 13 awardees.
“Earlier this year we dispersed over seven million dollars to 107 school districts across the reservation and contiguous counties, we do this because it’s the right thing to do and Cherokees have always valued education and the education and the wellbeing of our neighbors,” said Interim Executive Director Emberton.
Honorees were nominated by their respective school district administration before selection by a panel of Cherokee Nation education leaders.
Each awardee received a financial gift from the tribe, and a handmade basket made by Cherokee National Treasure Robert Lewis or Reba Bruner, a longtime employee of the tribe, who retired last year.