OII Honors 2025 Insurance Educators of the Year
The Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) presented the 2025 Insurance Educator of the Year awards to two exceptional Ohio teachers who are shaping the future of the insurance industry through innovative, impactful education.
Suzanne Ketner, a business and financial literacy teacher at Lincolnview High School in Van Wert, was honored during a special award presentation by OII Education and Workforce Development Chair, Carly Smith, of Central Insurance. Ms. Ketner exemplifies the spirit of this award with her hands-on, dynamic teaching style. Judges were especially impressed by her creative curriculum, which includes memorable activities like the spoon game and “Two Truths and a Lie” to make insurance concepts engaging and easy to understand.
John Bakalar, a teacher at Chagrin Falls High School, was also recognized with the 2025 Insurance Educator of the Year award. One of our judges remarked, “His interest in how students learn is amazing, and I loved how he tailored his financial literacy (health insurance) instruction to students’ preferred learning styles.” Another shared, “His approach is very noteworthy—and knowing the activities he presents to his class, I wish I was able to be one of his students!” His thoughtful integration of diverse instructional resources, including materials from the OII, and his incorporation of insurance education across multiple courses were also highlighted.
Each award recipient received:
- A $500 personal award
- A $500 award to benefit their school
- Reimbursement eligibility for up to $500 toward a continuing education course
- A commemorative plaque honoring their achievement