Jametra Newton has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 18 years and currently serves as a kindergarten teacher at Cherokee Elementary. She is passionate about helping her students grow academically, emotionally, and socially, and she believes deeply in the importance of ensuring every child leaves her classroom better than when they arrived.

Jametra’s love for education started early, inspired by her father, who was both a teacher and principal. She spent her elementary years at Carter G. Woodson in Tullahassee, Oklahoma, where he served as principal, before moving to Muskogee and attending Alice Robertson and Muskogee High School, graduating in 1995.

She earned both her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Before joining MPS, Jametra spent four years teaching preschool with Head Start in Tulsa. Since 2007, she has taught kindergarten at Cherokee Elementary and says without hesitation, “I love kindergarten!”

In 2016, Jametra was named Site Teacher of the Year at Cherokee Elementary. Now, she has been honored as the 2024–2025 District Teacher of the Year for Muskogee Public Schools. Reflecting on the recognition, she said, “This is more than just an honor—it’s a reminder of why I do what I do. I want to make an impact on children who sometimes slip through the cracks. Every child matters.”

When she’s not in the classroom, Jametra enjoys spending time with her family, including her 23-year-old son, and watching true crime documentaries. Her commitment to her students is rooted in compassion, and she continues to dedicate herself to helping every child thrive.