Teachers have a great influence on the students that they teach, whether they realize it or not. Spending a school year with a teacher can do more than just help you become a better student, it can also help shape the type of person and citizen you will become. They can also have an impact on the career you may go into and that is what happened to Haley Crowder. 

“Educators that I have had in the past inspired me to become a teacher,” she stated. “They impacted my life and I wanted to do the same for others. Plus, I love math so this was a way to do both.”

Crowder is in her first year of teaching at Ponca City High School. She teaches Algebra One to freshmen. Before coming to the high school, she taught at Trout Elementary School. 

As she reflects back on her years as a student, there are some teachers that come to mind that played a role in Crowder’s life and development.

“Melinda Holder, Benjamin Steichen, and Christi Hook were outstanding teachers,” she said. “All of these educators made a huge difference in my life. I am so grateful that I had them.”

There are a lot of aspects of teaching that Crowder appreciates, but she has one that is the most rewarding.
 “I enjoy building relationships with the students and seeing their lightbulb moments,” she said. “Those are the really great moments as a teacher.”

As someone that is somewhat new to the education field, Haley has been give numerous pieces of advice to help her. While they all have been helpful, there are some that she still keeps in mind to this day.

“One of the best bits of advice that I have received is to plan for the unexpected,” she said. “And that is very true. Another is that it is okay to make mistakes.”

When she is not in the classroom, Haley enjoys spending time with her husband, Corbin, and their three dogs. She also enjoys being outdoors.