By Derrick Smith 

Anthony McCrary is in his third year of teaching at Ponca City High School. He enjoys teaching and says that the reason he decided to enter that profession was for a couple of different reasons. 

“I decided to be an educator for two reasons,” he said. “First, because I had teachers who changed my life in a positive way and I wanted to have the opportunity to do the same for the next generation. Second, I truly enjoy school and learning and this profession gives me the opportunity to experience both on a daily basis. I went back to college on my 30th birthday to begin the journey that I’m currently on, so it is never too late to pursue your dreams.” 

McCrary teaches only freshmen at Ponca City. He teaches Wildcat Way in the fall and Oklahoma History in the spring. He enjoys being able to impact students during their first year of high school. 

“My favorite part about being an educator is having the opportunity to be a positive influence in my student’s first year of high school,” he said. “I really enjoy watching my students grow as people throughout their first year, but also seeing them throughout the day as the continue through high school.” 

One of the teachers that made an impact on him and his decision to become a teacher was one of his instructors in college. 

“The teacher who made the biggest impact on me as a student was one of my history professors in college, Dr. David Hertzel,” he said. “He taught me that the best teachers never quit being students. My current colleague and department team member, Mr. Taner Williams, has made the biggest impact on me as a teacher. As a teammate, he listens to my crazy ideas and puts structure into them.” 

Anthony is married to his wife Kayla and they have three children; Carson, Hailey, and Zander. He says that when he is not teaching, he enjoys cooking and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball games.