VYPE: Mrs. Sanders, thank you for taking some time to answer a few questions. We’re excited to spotlight you as our Skiatook Public Schools Teacher of the Month. Who inspired you to teach?
Sanders: I have always enjoyed school. I started kindergarten at Disney Elementary in Tulsa. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Clark, is the one who inspired my decision to teach. She was kind and genuinely wanted each of us to succeed in her class. She cared not only about our education, but about each of us as a person and I wanted to be like her and teach and care for others also. My family moved to Inola, when I was in the 5th grade, and I became and remained an Inola Longhorn until graduation in 1984. I received my associates degree at Rogers State College in Claremore and then earned my bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education. I eventually went back to school through the University of Texas and earned my master’s in educational leadership and Policy Studies.
VYPE: When and where did you start your career as an educator?
Sanders: I began teaching at Newman Middle School in August of 1990, as a special education teacher and have been here ever since. In the beginning my classes were self-contained, so I taught all of the core subjects. Eventually, it was decided that each special education teacher should departmentalize so our students could get out and mingle with the general education population, so I began teaching Math only, to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I have really enjoyed teaching math. Most students would tell you that math is not their favorite subject, but when they discover that they can actually be successful at something that seemed hard in the beginning, it warms your heart and makes you so proud!
VYPE: What key do you use to get through to your students?
Sanders: There is so much more to being a teacher than just teaching. I truly enjoy being with students and getting to know them, their background, what they enjoy, what upsets them, etc. Building a relationship with students, being a person they can trust and depend on and them knowing that someone really does care and love them, is just as important as teaching them reading, math, science, and social studies.
VYPE: We understand you are involved in other activities as well such as the talent show. Tell us everything you’re involved in and what you enjoy about those activities.
Sanders: Being part of a school system is fun and many activities happen in middle school. Our annual Spring talent show, school carnival, 8th grade picnic, Veterans’ program and after school tutoring are a few that I am a part of. I am also a member of our Guiding Coalition Team and textbook review committee. Each Friday, we hold a “dance party” as the kids enter the building at the beginning of the day. I teach them line dances and encourage them to just get out there and have fun!
VYPE: Tell us what makes the Skiatook school district a special place to teach?
Sanders: When I started my career in Skiatook, it was a smaller community. What was considered a town, is now an official city, who’s people have accepted and supported me. I think this is the biggest reason I have continued teaching in the Skiatook school system for the past 34 years. My co-workers at Newman Middle School are my second family. We encourage each other, laugh and cry together, help each other be better teachers as well as better people, and we have a common goal…making a difference in the lives of teenagers, and shaping them into the adults they’ll become with lessons that will last a lifetime.
VYPE: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Sanders: Church is an important part of our lives. I have taught various ages of children and students in Sunday School and volunteer in many ways. In my free time, I enjoy visiting my girls. My 24-year-old lives in Atlanta, GA, and my 21-year-old is a junior at the University of Oklahoma. My husband and I enjoy going to Norman to visit and attend the OU football and softball games. We also enjoy going for walks to get ice cream on the weekends. I still hang out with my high school buddies, and we are currently planning our high school reunion.
VYPE: Parting words?
Sanders: I truly feel I was born to be a teacher. Building relationships and being a part of shaping young minds to be successful adults has created a lifetime of precious memories. What other occupation allows you to not only have a positive impact on so many lives, but to also be blessed by them?
