Teaching can be a rewarding career choice for those that choose that path. You do more than just teach a subject, you also impact the lives of the students that are in your classroom. Wendy Landes says that she really enjoys teaching.

“I love getting to know the kids and helping them succeed in accomplishing their goals,” she said. “Teaching is trying and rewarding all at the same time. I get to be a part of the lives of kids and see how they grow and become adults.”

Wendy is in her third year teaching at Ponca City High School. She teaches Human Anatomy and Physical Science and she also coaches cross country and girls’ golf. She also serves as the advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Before moving to the high school to teach, she taught Physical Education at Trout Elementary beginning in 2012.

Though teaching was not her first career choice, she says it is the one that she enjoys the most.

“I went back to become a teacher because I love teaching,” Landes stated. “I love seeing a kid learn a new concept. And coaching has been and will always be a passion of mine.”

Throughout her life, even when she was in high school, Wendy had a number of people that influenced her life. A couple of those were her own teachers.

“Mrs. Teel was a huge impact on me in high school,” she said. “Another one was Mr. Bowles. I have also received a lot of advice from other teachers throughout my time teaching. Some of the best advice I ever received was to never give up. You have to rely on partner teachers and keep smiling.”

Wendy has a son, AJ, that is a sophomore at Ponca City. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with him.

“I love to spend time with my son,” she said. “We like to go to the University of Oklahoma football games together. I also like to run and paint.”