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John King Named as 2025-2026 Sperry Teacher of the Year
With nearly two decades of dedication to education, John King stands as a shining example of commitment to both students and community. A proud graduate of Sperry High School, King returned home to give back, building a 19-year career in education of which 14 of those years have been spent teaching at Sperry. His deep roots in the district and passion for student success make him a natural leader and role model. For the past eight years, Coach King has served as lead teacher for the English Department, guiding both curriculum and colleagues. His influence also extends to athletics and student activities, where he coaches football, wrestling, and track, and dedicates his time to assisting with Special Olympics soccer.
Coach King’s decision to become a teacher grew from a belief that education should shape more than academic ability, it should shape character. While he is passionate about helping students master content, he believes true success in teaching reaches far beyond grammar rules, athletic techniques, or literary movements. “I want to believe that I do a good job at bringing deeper understanding of the subjects I am employed to present,” King shared, “but I would think myself a failure if I only taught English grammar, blocking, takedowns, pin hold, shot put, and transcendentalism.” At the heart of his philosophy is the conviction that education must develop both skill and integrity. “I hold fast to the belief that if we develop good students and good athletes that are bad people, we have failed miserably,” he said. For King, the true measure of success is found in the young people he helps shape. “Our greatest asset and export is our people, and I have helped produce great young people,” he added.
As both a teacher and coach, King believes strong instruction begins with deep knowledge. He holds that educators should be knowledgeable in their subject matter to the point of near mastery, and that lessons should be “thoughtful, powerful, incisive, and entertaining.” In his classroom, learning is not a one-way lecture but a shared experience. “Good teaching is having conversations in the classroom,” King explained, “where I lead and we all learn from each other.” In addition, he strongly believes a good teacher adapts instruction and finds what best meets students’ needs, and he strives to ensure every student has a path to success academically, socially, and personally.
Principal, Richard Akin, spoke highly of King’s impact on both students and staff, noting that his passion for teaching is evident long before one ever steps into his classroom. “Coach King teaches with such passion that I can hear him all the way down the hall,” Mr. Akin said. “That enthusiasm carries over into everything he does. Mr. Akin also added, “Coach King is always ready and willing to assist in any way possible whether it’s helping a student, supporting a colleague, or stepping in wherever he is needed. His dedication to our school and our kids is unmatched.”
A former student also reflected on the lasting impression Coach King made during their time at Sperry. “Coach King is extremely knowledgeable about English and teaches in a way that sparks interest in a subject that is typically harder to enjoy and understand,” the student said. The student went on to share how King’s personality and care for students make him stand out. “Everyone loves when he leads karaoke in the lunchroom. He’s the type of teacher who can tell when you’re struggling and goes out of his way to provide encouragement. He never lets students feel invisible.”
Superintendent Dr. Brian Beagles also praised King’s lifelong commitment to Sperry Public Schools and the community he serves. “Coach King is a proud graduate and long-time employee of Sperry Public Schools who exemplifies dedication, service, and school pride,” Beagles said. “Beyond teaching English, Coach King’s commitment extends to coaching high school football, wrestling, and track, where he continues to mentor and inspire students.” Dr. Beagles emphasized that King’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom or athletic field. “His unwavering dedication to the school and the town of Sperry makes him a truly deserving District Teacher of the Year.”
As Sperry Public Schools celebrates Coach King as its District Teacher of the Year, he will soon complete his Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year application. District Teachers of the Year from across Oklahoma are eligible to apply for the State Teacher of the Year honor. The Oklahoma State Department of Education will review nominee applications and announce the State Teacher of the Year during the next school year. Regardless of the outcome, Coach King’s dedication to students, school, and community has already made a lasting impact at Sperry and beyond.
