OEA congratulates the 2025 OTOY
“Ms. Pinckney is an outstanding educator who is making a tremendous difference in the lives of her students and in her community every day,” OEA President Scott DiMauro said. “The entire Twinsburg City Schools community is lucky to have Ms. Pickney serving the students of that district with such passion, dedication, and professionalism. She is extremely deserving of this Ohio Teacher of the Year honor.”
Pinckney has been recognized for her work to create a senior-level African American Literature course at Twinsburg High School, as well as for the community service opportunities she facilitates for her students, to increase civic engagement and promote social responsibility.
“Every student – of every race, background, gender, ethnicity, and ability – deserves a great public education where they can see themselves respected and reflected in their curriculum, and where they can receive the tools they need to become strong critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and great future leaders,” DiMauro said. “Ms. Pinckney’s work at Twinsburg High School exemplifies that mission.”
Daneé Pinckney was previously honored as 2023 Twinsburg City Schools Teacher of the Year and a 2023 Fund for Teachers Fellow. She was selected as 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year from among eleven 2025 State Board District Teachers of the Year, all of whom are Ohio Education Association members.
OEA congratulates 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year Mark Lowrie
“Mr. Lowrie demonstrates clearly why public education matters so much in Ohio,” said OEA President Scott DiMauro, who attended Thursday’s event at Gahanna Lincoln High School to surprise Lowrie with the news of his award. “Great public schools open a world of opportunities for students from all walks of life, and exceptional educators like Mr. Lowrie make that possible.”
“His dedication to building outstanding broadcast journalism programs for his students – in both his current role at Gahanna Lincoln High School and previously at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst – exemplifies the incredible work Ohio’s public educators do every day to help their students learn valuable life skills so they can follow their dreams,” DiMauro added. “Mr. Lowrie’s students over the past two decades are so lucky that he followed his own dream and found his calling in the classroom.”
Lowrie worked for 12 years in the broadcast television industry before returning to school to earn his master’s degree in education to become a teacher. He then spent 18 years in Amherst schools before coming to Gahanna Lincoln High School four years ago. The live newscasts he produces with his broadcast journalism students have earned many prestigious honors, including three National Student Production Awards, better known as the ‘Student Emmys’, in 2022 alone.
“The award-winning broadcast journalism programs that Mr. Lowrie has built over the years are a testament to his expertise in the field – not only from his valuable experience in his first career, but even more importantly from his commitment to embracing opportunities for professional growth and innovation in his career as an educator. Mr. Lowrie’s passion for education and for serving his students should be applauded,” DiMauro said. “Being named 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year is a very well-deserved recognition for Mark Lowrie.”
October-November 2021 Ohio Schools
- COVER STORY: Empowering Students
- 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell, a social studies teacher at Oberlin High School, wants his students to be authentic, confident, and know their potential.
- NOTEBOOK
- 2021 NEA Representative Assembly Looks Ahead to New Challenges and Opportunities
- MAKING THE GRADE
- OEA Member Receives National Award for Teaching Excellence
Moved recently? Contact the OEA Member Hotline to update the address on file at 1-844-OEA-Info (1-844-632-4636) or email, membership@ohea.org. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | OhioSchools — Past Issues
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December 2019/January 2020 Ohio Schools
- COVER STORY: Empowering student voices — 2020 Ohio Teacher of the Year
- FEATURE: Ohio State School for the Blind
- MAKING THE GRADE:
- OEA Educational Foundation announces grants
- Apply now for OEA awards and scholarships
- Are you fiscally fit
- Enter OEA’s 21st Annual Student Art Contest
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
- RETIREMENT SYSTEMS UPDATE
Moved recently? Contact the OEA Member Hotline to update the address on file at 1-844-OEA-Info (1-844-632-4636) or email, membership@ohea.org. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | OhioSchools — Past Issues
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