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Hanna Al-Jibouri is the 2025-2026 Emerson Elementary Teacher of the Year!

Hanna joined Team Tulsa as a fifth grade teacher in 2012. She has been an lower elementary Montessori guide at Emerson for five years now. We asked her a few questions to learn more about her and her role.

What led you to a career in education?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl. I still can recall incredible teachers I had growing up that greatly influenced my decision to pursue this career. I have always loved learning! As I got older, I grew to love it even more when I realized how education and the work we do to grow our minds is something that cannot be taken from you – it is empowering in so many ways.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

So many things! But definitely one of my favorite things is when I have a student who comes with a particular struggle – whether it be never finding success in reading or not grasping a math concept or even just a behavioral challenge. After working with them and partnering with their families, being able to see that lightbulb moment when it clicks and they recognize their growth. There is honestly nothing quite like it!

What is one thing you are passionate about outside of teaching?

I love living an active life! I am in the gym every day of the week typically. I believe to be the best teacher (and human!) I can be, I have to take care of myself. For me, that means taking care of my body by working to strengthen it, decompress and destress, and fuel it with healthy food!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Emerson is the first public Montessori school across the entire state of Oklahoma – we are making incredible steps, paving the way and challenging the concept of what traditional schooling can look like and I am so proud to be a part of it!