Sperry Public Schools Logo

2026 Site Teachers of the Year Announced

Sperry teachers at each site recently chose one of their peers who they believe represent the ideals and qualities that embody effective teaching in the 21^st century. The elementary, consisting of grades Pre-Kindergarten through 5^th grade; middle school, consisting of 6^th grade through 8^th grade; and high school, consisting of 9^th grade through 12^th grade, are each represented by an individual who personifies the district’s motto of “Excellence in Education.”

Left to right: Sperry Elementary School Principal Jared Smith, Teacher of the Year Robert Park, and Assistant Principal Cathy Wiles

Coach Robert Park is the Sperry Elementary School Teacher of the Year. A 36-year veteran in education, Coach Park has taught elementary health and physical education, as well as having coached high school state champions in both football and wrestling. Sperry Elementary School principal Jared Smith said, “Coach Park instills a strong work ethic and positive character in his students every day.” One student said it well when he stated, “Coach Park helps us to get healthy and to have fun at the same time.”

Left to right: Sperry Middle School Principal Mike Juby and Teacher of the Year Natalie Sayre

Natalie Sayre is Sperry’s Middle School Teacher of the Year. She has taught at Sperry her entire teaching career.  With 23 years of experience, she has taught in the elementary, coached cheerleading, and now teaches math to middle school students. Mrs. Sayre’s passion and commitment are recognized by her peers who proudly selected her for this honor. Sperry Middle School principal Mike Juby noted, “Mrs. Sayre exemplifies what a teacher of the year should be, because she is deeply committed to our district and to the success of every student. She works diligently to ensure students are progressing toward grade-level standards in math, using data and thoughtful instruction to meet their individual needs. When asked about Mrs. Sayre, one of her students responded by saying, “She cares about how we’re doing and wants us to succeed, not just pass.”

Left to right: Sperry High School Teacher of the Year John King and Principal Richard Akin

John King is in his 18^th year of teaching with thirteen of those years have been dedicated to Sperry High School. Coach King has been a dedicated Coach who has positively impacted hundreds of students.  However, his true passion is teaching English and language composition in which he has taught multiple grade levels in addition to advanced placement courses. Sperry High School principal Richard Akin observed, “Coach King’s passion and dedication to his students make a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.” One student noted, “Coach King is so animated when he teaches English it never boring. He makes even the hardest readings interesting and fun to talk about.”

The site Teachers of the Year have each completed a District Teacher of the Year application with their personal biography, philosophy of teaching, and details of their experience as an instructional leader. The district’s Staff Development Committee will review each application and examine the qualities of each of the site representatives. After carefully reviewing the applications, the committee will announce the District Teacher of the Year later in the spring semester.