“It is an awesome responsibility to prepare young people for the future. Our value as educators lies in whether or not we constantly examine our actions to ensure that every decision we make not only supports the success of our students but also the educators who are working alongside us.”
Woodward Middle School
Woodward Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
6th grade; Language Arts
Years in Current Position:
3
Years Total:
22
B.S. in Elementary Education, Northwestern Oklahoma State University
“We must challenge our students with difficult tasks and then come alongside them to master the task. We must teach them that it is okay to fail, but not to quit. We must hold them to a standard of excellence and teach them that deadlines and difficulties are a part of life; but how wonderful it is, once a task is completed and finished well.”
Del City High School
Mid-Del Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
9th-12th grade; AP US History, Journalism, Photojournalism, and Yearbook
Years in Current Position:
9
Years Total:
24
B.S.E. Sec. Social Studies Ed., Oklahoma Baptist University
M.Ed. in Secondary Education, University of Central Oklahoma
“Building relationships are the heart of learning. Engaging with students and parents not only fosters trust, it promotes commitment and motivation needed to tackle challenging learning tasks and behaviors. It’s never too late to break down these barriers and come together as a community to support student success.”
“It is important to me to use my story of a shy and doubtful child to communicate to other educators the need to build relationships, use strength-based approaches to teaching and demonstrating mastery, and finding the gem inside every student.”
Independence Intermediate School
Yukon Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
4th-6th grade; Gifted and Talented
Years in Current Position:
4
Years Total:
7
B.S. in Elementary Education, University of Central Oklahoma
Graduate Coursework; Gifted Education, University of Central Oklahoma
M.Ed. in Administration, Southwestern OK State University
I believe it is crucial, educationally, that we treat students with respect as autonomous individuals with the ability and freedom to make choices about the paths they choose to take. I also insist upon the rigor of responsibility for those choices. Those lessons, to my mind, are as important as any that I teach.”
Guymon High School
Guymon Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
9th-12th grade; Speech, Debate, & Drama
Years in Current Position:
41
Years Total:
41
B.A. in Speech/Theater Education, Southwestern Oklahoma State
“Our students come into our classrooms eager to learn, and we have the opportunity to build into their lives every day. We see them grow as students, and we see them grow as individuals. Eventually they will become productive members of society, and it is an honor that we had a small part in furthering their growth.”
Piedmont Intermediate School
Piedmont Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
6th grade; Spanish and Theater Arts
Years in Current Position:
5
Years Total:
8
Certificate in Biblical Studies, Lutheran Bible Institute
B.A. in Liberal Studies, Azusa Pacific University
CA Professional Clear Credential, Azusa Pacific University
“As a result of my intentionality in my relationships with my students, supporting them in whatever way I can, and the extra time I put in with them through volunteering for school events, attending community events, sponsoring student council, FCA and academic team, and offering extra study sessions, I would say that my students are my greatest contributions and accomplishments in education.”
Durant High School
Durant Independent School District
Current Teaching Position:
10th-12th grade; Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, & Forensic Science
Years in Current Position:
5
Years Total:
6
B.S. in Science Education, Southeastern OK State University
M.Ed. in Professional Ed. Leadership, Southeastern OK State University
“Being a teacher permeates every aspect of my life, in the best way possible, and working with students and teachers has taught me to be a more thoughtful, compassionate, and responsible human being.”
Norman Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
Pre-K-12th Innovative Learning Coach
Years in Current Position:
1
Years Total:
7
B.S. in Education, University of Oklahoma
Master of Library and Info. Studies, Rutgers University
MEd in Educational Leadership (in progress), East Central University
"When I sometimes consider my footprint on the world and the significance of my career, I reflect on the hundreds of children with whom I have worked, and I realize with a full heart that my contribution is as significant as any other service career I could have chosen.”
“I know that greatness and excellence fill my classroom each and every day and that by preparing the children in my classroom today, I can better impact the world tomorrow.”
Earl Harris Elementary School
Bethany Public Schools
Current Teaching Position:
Kindergarten; all subjects
Years in Current Position:
4
Years Total:
15
B.S. in Elementary Education, University of Central Oklahoma
