Dr. Rob Bradshaw, Norman Public Schools 2022 District Teacher of the Year and Longfellow Middle School orchestra teacher, was named Wednesday as one of 12 finalists for 2023 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year. This marks the fifth straight year and the sixth time in the last eight years that NPS has had a state finalist.

“Rob is an exceptional educator who puts students first. Our district’s mission is to prepare and inspire all students to achieve their full potential, and Rob’s work directly reflects that,” Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino said. “A NPS graduate himself, Rob recognizes the importance of public education and providing opportunities to students. He is an incredible educator who brings authenticity and a passion for music into his classroom, instilling that passion in his students as well. I am proud of Rob and how he has represented Norman Public Schools, and I know he would be an extraordinary representative of the state of Oklahoma as well.”

Bradshaw joined NPS in the 2017-18 school year and previously taught at the university level. At the district level, Bradshaw serves as a board member for both the NPS Visiting Artist Program and the NPS Orchestra Advisory Board. For the last two years, he has served as a mentor for first-year teachers. In addition to his role as an educator, Bradshaw works as a professional musician, often inviting his students to attend his concerts so they can see there are ways to continue playing after school has ended. 

He’s the principal cellist for the Fort Smith Symphony and is active with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, performing with the group and also teaching adult beginners how to play string instruments through the organization’s outreach program. Additionally, Bradshaw volunteers as the artistic director of Scissortail Productions, a Norman-based nonprofit arts organization, where he oversees the classical concert series and outreach programs. He started the ScissortailNEXT program in 2017, which provides local K-12 students with opportunities to perform alongside concert artists in the concert series. 

“These finalists represent some of the top teaching talent in Oklahoma,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said. “They are exceptional individuals who have a tremendous heart for their students and an unwavering dedication to the teaching profession.”

All finalists were named teachers of the year for their districts or schools and selected after their applications were reviewed by a panel of educators, lawmakers and civic leaders.   

The 2023 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be named in March. Beginning July 1, the honoree will assume full-time Teacher of the Year duties, which include speaking engagements and serving as Oklahoma’s ambassador for teachers, encouraging others to enter or remain in the profession.

State Teacher of the Year Finalist Release