June 26, 2020 For Immediate Release
(Baltimore, MD) — Middle school English language arts teacher Wyatt Oroke of City Springs Elementary/Middle School is City Schools’ 2020 Teacher of the Year. District CEO Sonja Brookins Santelises presented the award this morning during a surprise announcement at the district office.
“Wyatt Oroke’s unwavering commitment to student achievement and equity in education is exceptional! His passion for the work and devotion to his scholars is at the forefront of every aspect of his practice." said Dr. Santelises. He is the sort of teacher that gets students excited about learning and motivates them to apply that knowledge beyond the classroom. I am proud to have him as part of our team.”
In addition to his classroom success, Mr. Oroke is a nationally recognized educator for his work around social justice and promoting literacy. He serves as the middle school team leader, the girls volleyball coach, the boys’ basketball coach, and a host of other roles at his school and in the community. He has received several state and national awards for his teaching including awards from Johns Hopkins University, the University of Baltimore, the Maryland State Senate, the Baltimore Orioles, and was awarded the “Superhero Award” by Ellen DeGeneres, where he was featured twice on her show. He was also a 2019 Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist for Baltimore City Public Schools.
"Mr. O, as he is affectionally called, wants the world to be a better place," said Principal Richetta. "He believes that the best place to start is in the classroom with our youth. "He is an incredibly talented, dedicated teacher who deeply influences the life of every student he teaches. His ability to inspire middle school students to love reading and writing is extraordinary. Mr. O is truly deserving of this award."
Mr. Oroke earned his undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Education.
City Schools selects the Teacher of the Year through a rigorous, competitive process that involves extensive review of applications, essays, and recommendations; interviews; and classroom observations. The CEO conducts a personal interview with each finalist.
As City Schools’ Teacher of the Year, Mr. Oroke will receive a cash award, classroom supplies, and other professional learning resources provided through the Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke Endowment Fund. Mr. Oroke will advance to the 2020-21 Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition. The winner of that competition will represent Maryland at the national level.
For more information about the Teacher of the Year award, Mr. Oroke, and the other finalists, please visit www.baltimorecityschools.org/teacher-year.