Teach Orange initiative celebrates Oklahoma teachers’ impact on education

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Media Contact:
Kirsi McDowell | Senior Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | [email protected]

Oklahoma State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences and the Office
of Educator Support celebrated Oklahoma Teachers for their impact in education with
on-field recognition at the Nov. 12 Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State football game. 

The 10 selected individuals received tickets to attend the game, a Teach Orange T-shirt
and $500 to support their classroom. In addition, the group was celebrated during
a pregame pep rally at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

Dr. Shelbie Witte — who serves as senior director of teacher education and head of
the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences at OSU — shared that her
team was inspired by the nearly 200 entries. 

“We had a range of entries from first-year teachers to veteran teachers of more than
20 years, all with a similar message,” Witte said. “Their ‘why’ for teaching goes
beyond simply educating students in the classroom. For most, it is a hope that they
will shape the lives of children in meaningful ways that will be carried on for a
lifetime.”

The passion for teaching across Oklahoma is evident. OSU graduates and those from
other universities shared their love of education, resulting in the 10 educators who
were honored.

“The on-field recognition may have highlighted just 10 of us, but I feel we were acting
as representatives of the profession,” said Tammy Bright-Wiggins, sixth and seventh
grade reading specialist for Stillwater Public Schools. “The diverse group seemed
to represent many areas of the state, various subjects taught and years of experience.”

Julissa Soto, second grade teacher for Crooked Oak Public Schools, echoed the sentiment. 

“I stood on that field for every educator in this country because we do what we do
every day because of the care and love we have for the children in our communities,”
Soto said. “The recognition by the college was a thoughtful act.”

Nikki Longan, a kindergarten teacher for Perkins-Tryon Elementary, said it was meaningful
to be appreciated and recognized for her job.

“It is not always easy and not always appreciated, but I would not trade it for anything,”
Longan said.

Dr. Jon Pedersen, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, expressed congratulations
to the individuals celebrated on Saturday and his gratitude for teachers across the
state. 

“We are honored to recognize some of our state’s best teachers in a small way through this
ceremony and the Teach Orange initiative,” Pedersen said. “We are immensely proud
of the teachers in our communities and all they do for our children, youth and families
in Oklahoma.”

Teach Orange Honorees

• Wes Ankrom, eighth grade Science, Yukon Middle School, Yukon Public Schools
• Tammy Bright-Wiggins, sixth-seventh grade, Reading Specialist, Stillwater Middle School, Stillwater Public Schools
• Callie Duncan, ninth-12th grade Math, Glencoe High School, Glencoe Public Schools
• Chase Ferguson, seventh-12th grade, Agricultural Education, Shawnee Public Schools
• Mickala Gorrell, seventh-11th grade English, Covington-Douglas Public Schools
• Rachel Lewelling, K-5 Physical Education, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Union Public Schools
• Nicole Longan, Kindergarten, Perkins-Tryon Elementary, Perkins-Tryon Public Schools
• Kristina Morris, 5th grade, Pat Henry Elementary, Lawton Public Schools
• Julissa Soto, second grade, Central Oak Elementary, Crooked Oak Public Schools
• Elizabeth Ziegler, 10th-12th grade, Theater/Drama, Stillwater High School

For more information about the College of Education and Human Sciences or the resources provided by the Office of Educator Support, visit us online.