There are many different paths that one can take to become a teacher. For some, it can be a lifelong dream, while others may have a moment that nudges them into the educational field. For Michael Higgins, an experience he had while in college that led him to where he is.

“After I got out of the Navy, I was working on my Associates Degree in Biology at Connors State College in Warner Oklahoma,” he said. “As it turns out there is an endangered species of beetle called the American Burying Beetle located there. The American Burying Beetle is only found in two places in the world. In and near Warner and also on a little island off of the edge of Rhode Island. One of the professors there decided to hold a Summer Science Academy. High School age students from all over Oklahoma were brought in to trap and study the beetle. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life. At that point I decided I wanted to become a teacher.”

Higgins currently teaches freshman science at Ponca City Public Schools. Before coming to Ponca City, Higgins taught Physical Science at Guymon for four years. Before that, he taught seventh, eighth, and ninth graders in Turpin, Oklahoma. He started teaching at Chickasha for five years before moving to Turpin. 

As an experienced educator, Higgins has some advice for those that are newer to the teaching profession. 

“The advice I would offer new teachers is simple,” he stated. “Be passionate about teaching. Be passionate about working with kids. The kids are the real reason we are here.”

When he is not teaching in the classroom, Michael loves to spend time with his family.

“I am married to a wonderful woman who is also a school teacher,” he said. “She teaches sixth-grade math at Ponca City West Middle School. We have a beautiful baby girl who is currently 12 years old who plays softball and basketball. I have several hobbies. I am a hobbyist Black Smith. I also make knives, and do metal casing with metals like brass, copper and aluminum.”