DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) -- Monday, February 22 was the start for phase 2 of Oklahoma's COVID-19 vaccination roll out. Pre-K through 12th grade educators are now eligible for the vaccine.

The 12 finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year kicked off the next wave with a Texoman in the group.

Natalie Haworth is a teacher at Durant High School, and also is the districts Teacher of the Year. Now she is striving for another honor -- to be Oklahoma's Teacher of the Year.

Haworth's work and efforts in the classroom haven't gone unnoticed, but in the world of the coronavirus pandemic, she is trying to be an example outside of the classroom too.

Haworth drove up to Norman, OK Monday to get her COVID-19 vaccination, amongst the 11 other finalists and the current Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.

Over the next 2-3 weeks, the State Department of Health intends to vaccinate nearly 60,000 teachers and staff across the state.

"I more confident coming back to school knowing I got that first vaccine shot and that I'll get the second, and that hopefully we will quickly get rid of the risk of COVID-19 or it won't be as big," said Haworth. "I think that it definitely helps with confidence and definitely helps with just feeling more safe, and feeling like that's one less thing teachers have to worry about going into work every day."

Haworth is set to get her second dose of the vaccine mid-March.

The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year is set to be announced Thursday, March 4.