School: Greenwood Elementary School

Grade: Kindergarten

Subject: Everything

Career Length: 15.5 years (including 3 Para-Professional)

Current Position: 8 years

Favorite Thunder player: Lindy Waters III

Why did you choose to become an educator?

Mostly to love on the next generation, but I also love to spark something inside of their hearts to become life-long learners!!

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My Early Childhood Mentor, Ronda Reed! She is a wealth of information with my littles! She is now my rockstar principal!!

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Fall in love with learning! It is a skill you will use for the rest of your life!

School: Stillwater Middle School

Grade: 6th

Subject: English Language Arts

Career Length: 6 years

Current Position: 6 years

Favorite Thunder player: Lindy Waters III

Why did you choose to become an educator?

Being a teacher is all I ever wanted to be. I can remember being very little teaching my invisible students with the leftover school supplies from each school year's end. I always knew this was a special job. However, I wasn't prepared for the genuine relationships I would create with my students that continue to drive me to come back each day.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

Karyn Hutchens is our instructional coach at Stillwater Middle School and has been a huge part of my career. From the very first day to now, she continues to motivate and advocate for myself and my colleges. She has spent countless hours working with me through the years and I am the teacher you see today because of her.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

To be a great leader one day, you must first follow. Soak up every minute you can and learn from your teachers; take time to really listen to them. Then, when your time has come, you will rise as the leader you were meant to be.

School: Katherine I. Daily Elementary School

Grade: Kindergarten

Subject: All subjects

Career Length: 18 years

Current Position: 3 years

Favorite Thunder player: Jalen Williams

Why did you choose to become an educator?

Because my teachers made me believe I could anything and I wanted to instill that same confidence in children.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My own kindergarten teacher, Mr . Wood

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Keep working hard and trying new things. Learning is about trying, not perfection.

School: Owasso High School

Grade: 12th Grade

Subject: Special Education

Career Length: 25 years

Current Position: 17 years

Favorite Thunder player: Lindy Waters III

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I felt lead to be the cheerleader for the underdogs. I wanted to create a school culture where inclusion came first. That students with all kinds of abilities were valued and included in all aspects of school life.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

Suzanne Dossett and Connie Plumlee, showed me the importance of making students feel valued and loved. Both entered their classrooms with smiles and joy for each and every student.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Never give up on your dreams, hard work makes even the most impossible dreams come true. Never let anyone tell you, you're not worthy.

School: Carnegie Elementary

Grade: 4th Grade

Subject: Special Education

Career Length: 31 years

Current Position: 31 years

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I chose to become a special education teacher so I could work with the most amazing kids. The bonus is I also get to work with the best families, staff, and community in Tulsa.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

The most influential person in my career is my teammate and best friend, Amanda Johnson. Without her hard work, support, and dedication to including students with autism in the general education classroom, the successes we celebrate would not be possible. You're the best, Miss Amanda!

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Hey, Thunder fans! Education is like a team where everyone has a role to play including students with special needs. Just like the best teams are made of diverse players, the best classrooms include everyone. By learning together, we all gain knowledge, skills, and ways to think smart. And remember, it's not just about getting a diploma; it's about the adventure of learning. So, let's champion every teammate in our learning journey, making our future and the world shine brighter. Go Thunder!

School: Deer Creek Middle School

Grade: 8th Grade

Subject: Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1

Career Length: 20 years

Current Position: 4 years

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I did not choose to become an educator, it has always been my ultimate calling in life. I was truly born to teach. My journey as an educator began at the age of 3 to my classroom of imaginary friends. While I thought I would be teaching early childhood, I found my passion in the middle school math classroom specifically 8th grade.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

I have had a vast array of influential people in my career from my grandmother, a 30-year veteran Kindergarten teacher, to my middle school math teachers who built my confidence and success in the subject I struggled in the most to the amazing educators I have worked with throughout my career that have inspired me and push me to be a better teacher every day. It has not been one influential person but an array of wonderful and dedicated educators throughout my life.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Education is imperative to your future. While it can be challenging, you can persevere and ultimately make an impact in your communities. Education will take you on so many adventures and can change your life.

School: Rosewood Elementary

Grade: 5th Grade

Subject: Math & Science

Career Length: 19 years

Current Position: 4 years

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I became an educator because I believe kids deserve an opportunity to learn. I recognized at an early age my love for teaching others and that love grew into a passion that best serves other through teaching.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My husband, who is also an educator, has been my greatest encourager, strongest supporter, and biggest fan. He picks me up on the tough days and celebrates classroom victories alongside me. I could not do this job without him. He is the person I hope to emulate most in my teaching.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Young Thunder fans, pour as much of yourself as you can into getting a good education. Take school seriously. Learn as much as you possibly can. Seek out knowledge. Set goals and pursue them. But most importantly, seek to serve others along the way. In the words of Marian Wright Edelman, "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it."

School: Bartlesville Public School

Grade: 4th

Subject: I am currently just became an instructional coach for our district.

Career Length: 12 years

Current Position: I just took a position as an instructional coach in our district, but I have taught the last 3 years in 4th. I have spent the last 9 years at Bartlesville Public Schools

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

While getting my elementary education degree at Oklahoma State University, I held a job at the Stillwater Children's Museum as a classroom facilitator. It was was will I was teaching reading, science, and math lesson in pre-k through second grade classroom that I solidified my passion and love for teaching and watching children discover their own joy in learning.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My mother was the most significant influence. When I was born my mother made the choice to stay home with me and start her own home childcare business. For my entire life I have been surrounded by children and educational activities. Looking back I have come to realize that my mother and her love for children has been passed down. Through the modeling of my parents’ hard work, my mother’s love and dedication for children, I found myself attending Oklahoma State University. When I got to Oklahoma State I held a job as a classroom facilitator for the Stillwater Children’s Museum. It was there that I began gaining classroom experience and solidified my love and passion for children and teaching. I graduated from Oklahoma State in 2011 and then went back to Oklahoma Wesleyan and graduated with my masters in Educational Leadership in 2015. There hasn’t been one life experience or factor in particular, but rather my life as a whole that placed me on the path to becoming a teacher. My influence and love for education started at a young age and I have been blessed to be a part of a district that influenced me as a student and has continued supporting me as a teacher.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Words of advice I would give to young OKC Thunder fans regarding the importance of education is that knowledge and learning is the foundation for life. Education gives you a foundation and knowledge to grow and pursue whatever dreams you may have. Never disregard the time you get to spend in the classroom or your time you get to spend learning outside of the classroom. I always tell my students to use what you know to help you find out what you don't know.

School: Chickasha High School

Grade: 12th

Subject: Visual Art

Career Length: 8 years

Current Position: 4 years

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I love sharing my passion for art with others and and I truly enjoy helping students discover their unique creative abilities.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My middle school art teacher was the first educator that inspired my pursuit of art, but I have also since been surrounded by many amazing educators and colleagues that inspire me everyday.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Education is one of the most important things in life. It’s the key to unlocking a world of opportunities and empowers you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate through life and achieve your goals. I encourage you to embrace the opportunities that education has to offer. The more you invest in your education, the more you stand to gain in the future.

School: Eisenhower Middle School

Grade: 8th Grade

Subject: Pre-Algebra/Algebra 1

Career Length: 14 years

Current Position: 9 years

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

My desire to enter the education field was established on the aspiration to become a role model for children in the Lawton community. I am a firm believer that educators set the standard of leadership while serving others. Teaching has allowed me to not only grow professionally, but also flourish as a human being, mother, wife, and friend. It yields me the contentment that I am making the world a better place one student at a time. Regardless of the grade level or ability, I know that I am making an indisputable impact on the lives of my students. Teaching math is precisely where I belong. I love it here!

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My students are the most influential for me. Ensuring their success in math is the driving force in my career. My wish is for my students to enjoy math, appreciate its benefits and strive to impede negative ideas that have developed throughout their years of learning. I want my students to gain the growth mindset of “I can do hard things" and understand that victory in math is within reach.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Always set goals and strive to reach them. If one approach doesn't work, try another. Never give up!

School: West Field Elementary School

Grade: Kindergarten

Subject: All subjects

Career Length: 5 years

Current Position: 5 years

Favorite Thunder player: Luguentz Dort

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I’ve known that I wanted to be a teacher since I was a kindergartener myself. I spent my elementary school years begging my teachers to let me stay inside from recess to help them grade papers, clean the whiteboards, and shelve books in the library. Much to my three younger siblings' chagrin, my mom often allowed me to play teacher with them in the summer, making them complete worksheet after worksheet, and center after center. Teaching had me from an early age. The cultural waters of education today are tumultuous to say the least. I'm often asked, "Why do you stay?" For me, that answer is easy. The relationships! I know that we have had a successful year together in kindergarten when on the last day of school my students are sad to leave their class family. For 9 months we get the privilege of doing life together. Throughout the year we become a classroom family where nobody is left behind, where everyone is taken in with all of their beautiful quirks, missing skills, and messy parts. I teach my students important life skills like showing empathy for others, using an assertive voice to stand up for themselves, and how to resolve conflict and problem solve as a team. Through these skills, we learn how to love and care for each unique person in our class family in the unique little way that they need to be loved. When May rolls around and my students are teary eyed walking out the door I can say, “We did this. This beautiful thing that’s so hard to say goodbye to? We built it…together.”

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

By far, my brother has had the largest impact on who I am as an educator. One of my two brothers was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when we were young. Because of him, I really have a heart for students with special needs in the general education classroom. My brother didn’t always have general education teachers that knew how to support, accommodate, and care for him in the ways that he needed. That really struck a chord in me. Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved for who they are. My entire professional career has been dedicated to acquiring the new knowledge and skills I need to love each individual student for who they are, and then equipping their peers and their future teachers with the knowledge and empathy they need in order to do the same.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

In the United States, every student has a right to an education. In many countries, education is only a luxury. Don't take your education for granted. Work hard, take risks, discover what you are passionate about, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and soak up every moment of your K-12 years!

School: Jenks Public Schools

Grade: Kindergarten

Subject: All Subjects

Career Length: 21 years

Current Position: 10 years

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I love being an important part of seeing children learn. I love the relationships I build with my students and the opportunity to be a part of their lives.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

My Mom was an educator who has always valued relationships. I admire her ability to love and include everyone. She taught me empathy, compassion and acceptance.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Never give up on yourself. Be your best cheerleader. Be your best advocate. Learn all you can. Experience all you can.

School: Fogarty School

Grade: 2nd

Subject: Reading and Math

Career Length: 22 years

Current Position: 14 years

Favorite Thunder player: Josh Giddey

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I wanted to help students who struggle in learning and low self-confidence. I want all children to know that they can learn and that I believe in them .

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

There are two influential people in my career. Mrs. Marsha Todd, my principal, and Ms. Carmen Walters, my Assistant superintendent. Both of these women have helped me to realize the talents I have as a teacher and pushed me to reflect on myself and what teaching really means to me.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

With hard work and a good education, you can be anything you dream of. Every job and career requires an education. Dream Big and work toward that dream.

School: Harrah High School

Grade: 12th Grade

Subject: Art & Ceramics

Career Length: 28th year

Current Position: 28th year

Favorite Thunder player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Why did you choose to become an educator?

My mentor saw something in me that I had not seen in myself and encouraged me to pursue the career.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

Gerald Kirkes, my HS Art teacher, he encouraged me and showed me what it meant to have a job that you’re passionate about and how to pass that passion along to others

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Your education can change your life, if that means you attend a trade/technical school or university it doesn’t matter. You need to better yourself and pursue the quality of life you want for yourself. Thunder Up!!

School: Canyon Ridge Intermediate, Mustang Public Schools

Grade: 5th

Subject: Social Studies

Career Length: 19 years

Current Position: 19 years

Favorite Thunder player: Josh Giddey

Why did you choose to become an educator?

I became an educator because I want to have a positive impact on young people. Education is my calling, and I love to make history come alive for my students.

Who is/was the most influential person in your career?

Kathy Blackwell, my former principal, is the most influential person in my educational career. She lead by example, with grace, love, and passion for her craft.

What words of advice would you give to young Thunder fans regarding the importance of education?

Education is a gift to yourself. Don't waste it. It opens doors and leads you down roads you might have never expected. Have fun, do your best, and be kind to others.