For the third time in the last six years, Maryland’s ‘Teacher of the Year’ award has honored a BCPS teacher. This year, Wyatt Oroke takes the honor. He has been teaching at City Springs Elem./Middle school since 2015 and is “nationally recognized” for his work in social justice and promoting literacy, says WMAR 2 News.
Here’s the moment when Oroke found out about the honor. He was invited to a “special presentation” at the school system headquarters and his reaction is priceless.
Oroke has been putting on for the city for a while. He’s won a handful of other awards for his service in the community and classroom. Even Ellen DeGeneres has featured Oroke on her show not once, but twice. She awarded him the “Superhero Award”. He was also the “Teacher of the Year” semi-finalist for Baltimore City Public Schools in 2019.
“I tried to quit in October of my first year and they didn’t let me, and that’s why seven years later, as a proud member of City Springs Elementary/Middle School, I can stand here today as teacher of the year,” Oroke said at the podium when accepting his award. Now, the young instructor will compete for National Teacher of the Year honors.
Teachers Are Heroes
Our leaders of the classroom can be the heroes of our community. As I grow up, I continue to lean on some of the wisdom and knowledge I’ve gotten from my childhood teachers. They were the first ones to recognize my love for radio, writing, and other things that made me who I am today. Great instructors are the ones who really shape better tomorrows.
It’s something that I honestly believe we take for granted in our culture.
To all the teachers who continue to offer their bests to our city’s kids, thank you. Never forget the impact of your hard work. Teachers like Wyatt Oroke give me the satisfaction in knowing that today’s kids are still being led towards success.
