For Amanda Hundley, relationships are the foundation of a successful classroom.
Hundley, the 2026 recipient of the Medal for Excellence in Elementary Teaching, teaches a pre-K and kindergarten multiage class at Broken Arrow Public Schools’ Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center.
Hundley’s classes include 10 students in each grade, and she pairs every pre-K student up with a kindergarten mentor.
“I see the power of mentorships in action every day,” Hundley said. “My classroom is built around the philosophy that students learn best from and with one another.”
Throughout the year, her older students grow as leaders, and pre-K students gain independence and a sense of belonging.
“The kindergarteners feel empowered as teachers, mentors and readers, while the pre-K students are inspired by their peers’ success,” Hundley said. “Each year, I watch the cycle continue — those who once looked up to a buddy become mentors themselves, perpetuating a culture of confidence, kindness and curiosity.”
Hundley pairs routines that keep students feeling safe and connected with teaching units that encourage them to get messy and make mistakes.
One favorite of Hundley and her classes is a building unit centered around “The Three Little Pigs.” Students design and build homes for the little pigs, then evaluate how they stand up to the wolf’s huffing and puffing — exercising their creativity while learning about persistence and scientific thinking.
Her Around the World unit lets Hundley’s students travel the globe without leaving the classroom. They use their imaginations to fly to each continent, then learn about different countries by singing songs, tasting foods and creating art inspired by landmarks.
Sydney Wilson said the experience felt magical for her two sons.
“From the moment my children stepped into her classroom, I could tell that Amanda had created something rare and wonderful,” Wilson said. “Her classroom is a place where learning feels alive. It is filled with color, laughter and curiosity that you can feel the moment you walk through the door.”
Hundley, who grew up in Broken Arrow, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University. She was District Teacher of the Year for 2025-26 and Site Teacher of the Year for 2024-25. She previously taught at Duncan and Guthrie public schools.
“Amanda brings out the best in her students and reminds everyone around her, parents and colleagues alike, why great teachers matter so deeply,” Wilson said.
