Cimarron Middle School

I started my teaching career in a fifth grade classroom at Orvis Risner in 1974. I was asked to teach 6th grade Science at the new Sequoyah Middle School (located where North HS is now) in 1976. I taught science at Sequoyah for five years. I came to Cimarron when it opened in 1981. I taught science for four more years, then tried something new. I discovered a discipline that I loved....7th grade math. I loved the kids, the subject, my co-workers, everything.

I knew this was what I would do till they buried me out behind the school.

Motivation to Become an Educator

My friends and family tease that I must have come from the womb teaching. I cannot remember ever wanting to do anything else. I remember what a profound and positive effect my second and third grade teachers had on me, and that I wanted to be just like them. I believe teaching is a gift from God, and I have been blessed with an awesome gift and the responsibility that accompanies it.

Best Teaching Memories/Moments

I have 35 years of memories. My first year was memorable because it was my first class. When I worked with the faculty at Sequoyah to open a new middle school, which was a frontier, I have very special memories of those first sixth grade students who struggled with a Jr. High type atmosphere at only 10 - 11 yrs. old.

I have very special memories of beginning another new middle school when I moved to Cimarron. I was expecting my son during my first year at Cimarron. I remember the comments and distraction of the construction workers coming in and out of the port-a-potties right outside my window when Cimarron was still being built. My classes and I got quite an earful. I remember the many years that my math students scored in the top five of the Ok. Math League. Many years we were first in the state. I also took great pride in the fact that Cimarron had the highest test scores in Edmond (and one of the highest in the state) in math for the first 20 years that I taught here. I get so much pleasure and joy running into my former students everyday. I have now had several grand students. (Children of former students) Some of my former students are now faculty members with me.

My best teaching moment is when a parent or student says to me, "Mrs. Pawley, I have always been bad at math, disliked math, or been afraid of math, but you have made it fun, enjoyable, easier to understand and I get it. I love the way you teach us and try so hard to make sure we understand it." That is why I come to work each day. And, fortunately, I hear that often enough to keep me going. The memories that I make each day with my fellow co workders and students are priceless.

Educational Background

I earned an Associates Degree from Northeastern A & M in Miami, OK. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from UCO, then Central State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude

Highest Degree:

Masters + 16 in Elem. Ed. from UCO.

I am also a graduate of Great Expectations, the State of OK. Professional Math Institute., and the Institute of Geography and Mathematics at Universtity of Oklahoma.

Family Info/Hobbies

Bible Study group at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, my bunco group, CLIC (my investment club), Delta Kappa Gamma (women educator's society), and I am a huge OU Sooner Fan.

Additional Info:

Staying in touch with my two sons and daughter-in-law and going on trips with my husband on his Honda Goldwing motorcyle.

A Word of Advice to New Teachers

Become a teacher, only if you truly feel "called" to be one and love children. The rewards you receive will NOT be monetary, it will be blessings from the students and families you work with, that will be PRICELESS! Over prepare.....you can never be too prepared. Be professional....you are not only an important role model for your students, but you are part of a professional group of educators that should be regarded with high esteem. Respect and love your students, they will respect and love you.

A Word of Advice to Students

LISTEN/FOCUS!!!! There is soooo much to learn. Your teachers care deeply about you and your education. Respect their desire to want to teach you. Take your studies/school more seriously......always give school your best effort.

Laugh, have a good time....but know when it is time to focus listen, learn, and study. Be a well rounded person who is educated, involved with life in school and church, be happy and fun to be with.

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