Teachers make an impact on the lives of their students that can last well beyond graduation. Jamey Wylie says that the teachers that he had as a student made a positive difference in his life and helped him become the person that he is today.

“My eighth grade English teacher Mr. May made a huge difference in my life,” Wiley recalled. “As a kid I suffered from chronic low self esteem and felt pretty worthless. However, Mr. May changed that because he was the first person to let me know that I was smart and could do anything that I set my mind to. He also helped to foster my lifelong love of reading. I entered education because I have always loved learning. I also wanted to have the same impact that my amazing teachers had on me.”

Jamey teaches at West Middle School in Ponca City. He and his wife Amanda have four children. He has worked in the Ponca City school district for eleven years, the last five have been at West Middle School.

Wylie enjoys his job because it is more than just teaching and covering the work needed.

“I enjoy fostering positive relationships with students and helping them to develop their minds,” he said. “In my job, I help students when they need to talk or are in crisis and provide a safe place for them. I am also the liaison for parents and students who are on 504 plans.”

During his career, Jamey has been given different pieces of advice. He says that there is one thing that he has been told that still sticks with him.

“Someone once told me that the most important thing that students need at school is caring, stable adults who create a safe space for them to learn,” he said.

When he is not at the school, Jamey enjoys spending time with his wife, playing guitar, and watching Star Trek.