Hailey
OKLAHOMA CITY – Despite having no prior expertise in cooking or sewing, Melissa Evon of Elgin High School has earned the prestigious title of 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Recognized at a celebratory gala in Norman, Evon accepted the award from State Superintendent Ryan Walters, highlighting her journey from unconventional beginnings to statewide recognition.
Though she now teaches family and consumer sciences—formerly known as home economics—Evon admitted that the path was far from traditional.
She openly jokes about her initial struggles: her early sewing attempt broke a machine, prompting her mother to suggest she simply “buy her clothes from now on.”
Teaching Life Beyond the Classroom
Evon’s classroom, however, is about much more than cooking and sewing. She equips students with essential life skills, such as how to:
- Open a bank account
- File taxes
- Apply for scholarships
- Register to vote
- Change a flat tire
“These are the things that truly prepare students for adulthood,” she explained. “While my background is in history, government, and geography, teaching real-world skills has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
A Veteran Educator with Deep Roots
A graduate of Mustang High School and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Evon began her teaching career in 1992 at Elgin Public Schools, near Lawton.
With over 27 years in education, her journey has taken her across state lines as her husband served in the Air Force, and she also took time off after becoming a mother.
Throughout her career, she’s taught a wide range of subjects and grade levels but always believed in her students.
“No matter where I am, I’m convinced I teach the world’s greatest kids,” she said.
Her return to Oklahoma allowed her to reinvest in the same public school system she once attended and to raise her son in an environment she deeply trusts.
Recognized Again and Again
Elgin Superintendent Nathaniel Meraz revealed that Evon has previously been honored as Elgin Teacher of the Year three times, making her recent statewide recognition unsurprising.
“I was ecstatic, but not shocked,” Meraz stated. “She’s not just one of the best—she is the best.”
Becoming a Statewide Advocate
As part of her new role, Evon will take a one-year sabbatical from classroom teaching to travel across Oklahoma, serving as an ambassador for the teaching profession.
Her mission: to encourage educators to stay committed amid the state’s ongoing teacher retention crisis.
She acknowledged having moments of doubt herself. Her personal mantras—“See the light” and “Be the light for your kids”—helped guide her through challenging periods.
“Sometimes, to get unstuck, you have to get out of the boat,” she said, urging fellow educators to embrace change, whether that means shifting subjects, adjusting curriculum, or exploring new teaching methods.
Preparing Students for Real Life
Currently, Evon teaches subjects like:
- Interpersonal communication
- Parenting
- Financial literacy
- Career readiness
These classes aim to prepare students not only academically but also as future parents, professionals, and responsible citizens.
And yes, they do still learn to cook and sew—skills that Evon now delivers with both humility and purpose.
“I know what I do matters,” she reflected. “Students come back and tell me that.”
Melissa Evon’s journey—from self-confessed novice in home economics to Oklahoma’s top teacher—is a testament to the impact of practical education and dedicated teaching.
Her unique approach, emphasizing life readiness over traditional academics, is preparing a new generation to meet adulthood with confidence and capability.
As she steps into her role as a statewide teaching ambassador, she carries not only her award but a vision: to inspire educators, support students, and shine a light on the future of Oklahoma education.