By Derrick Smith

Teachers are an important part of every student’s life. But in most cases they are more than just teachers, they can also serve as a mentor, cheerleader, motivator, and friend. Marsha Nash teaches Special Education at Stillwater Junior High School and she says that teaching is very rewarding. 

“My greatest love is watching my students grow and develop the independence to reach their full potential,” she said. “One of my greatest joys is watching my students participate in Special Olympics and off-campus activities such as bowling, horseback riding, and swimming. Some of the best teaching advice I’ve received is about the value of building relationships with students, and often their families, also. Students will respond to someone they care about and they know cares about them.”

Nash is the proud mom of her three children. Her daughter Amy is the External Affairs Manager for Public Service Company of Oklahoma. Her son Matthew is the Director of Disabilities Services at College of the South in Tennessee. And her youngest, Thomas, is a senior at Oklahoma State University. 

This is Nash’s thirty-sixth year as a teacher. Twenty-seven of those years have been in Stillwater. She has been at the Junior High for six years and she is currently the department chair for Special Education. Though she currently teaches at the Junior High, Nash also taught Special Education at Skyline Elementary, Richmond Elementary, and Highland Park Elementary.

The hard work and effort that Marsha has put in over the years was recognized this year when she was named the 2021 Stillwater Junior High Teacher of the Year. She was one of three finalists for the Stillwater District Teacher of the Year for 2021.

While she loves teaching students, she also enjoys her time off when it comes around. 

“When I am not at school, I enjoy reading and spending time at my family’s cabin in the woods south of Tahlequah. Hiking and porch sitting are a great way to relax.”