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We are honored to announce Whitley White from Linc Academy Columbus as OCCS’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Ms. White has demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and compassion—transforming one of the school’s most challenging classrooms into a place of remarkable growth and achievement.
Faced with students experiencing homelessness, others new to school, and several with significant speech delays, Ms. White met every challenge with structure, warmth, and high expectations. Her students achieved over 130% growth in i-Ready Reading and Math—among the highest in the school—showcasing both her instructional excellence and deep belief in her students' potential.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. White helped enroll over 30 new families by leading school tours and serving as a welcoming, inspiring voice for OCCS.
Whitley White embodies the values of equity, excellence, and perseverance, and her impact on our students and community is profound. We are proud to celebrate her incredible work.
Congratulations, Ms. White—our 2025 Teacher of the Year!