Cedar Ridge Elementary -  Lori Mecke, pre-kindergarten

Lori Mecke, who teaches pre-kindergarten, was named Cedar Ridge Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023.

“I strongly believe that public education is an important gift to our children,” Mecke said. “Oklahoma’s public education gives everyone an opportunity to succeed and thrive. I am blessed to have the opportunity to impact Oklahoma’s future leaders. I feel that teaching in Oklahoma is a calling and a passion that I am living daily.”

She said, “My favorite classroom activity involves introducing the new Pre-K students and families to the Union Way!  I love being the first teacher on their educational journey at Union.  I believe that getting children excited about learning and believing that school is a wonderful place where everyone can succeed is crucial in planting the seeds for 100 percent college and career ready.”

Mecke started teaching in 1993.

“I came to Union as a PTA parent in 2008,” she said. “Next, I began substitute teaching and shortly thereafter, I made my way on staff at Cedar Ridge as an aide.  In 2018. I began teaching Pre-K at Cedar Ridge.”

Mecke has a bachelor’s degree In elementary education and a master’s degree in early childhood education, both from Northeastern State University.