Teaching Norman

Teaching Norman

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

COMMUNITY

Julia Prise

Mathematics isn’t usually seen as a place of comfort, but for Julia Prise, math is exactly that.

“As a high school student, I loved the reliability of the subject,” said Prise, who teaches at Norman High. “While I loved the subject, I couldn’t help but notice many of my peers did not. It became my goal as an educator to change that mindset.”

To do that, Prise is working to change the way students experience math.

“Math can be loud. It can be collaborative. Most importantly, it can be fun!” she said. “When you walk into (my) math class, you are no longer a student that is ‘bad at math.’ I don’t allow that kind of talk. Together, we will find the piece of mathematics that is interesting and exciting to you.”

Prise is also working to inspire the next generation of educators as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Education.

“I work with pre-service teachers to help them develop an understanding of how to teach geometry and proof in an engaging way.”

But, for all the ways she’s influencing students, Prise says that each one leaves an impact on her too.

“I will never forget a student who has walked through my door, and I hope they never forget me, or the cheesy math jokes I love to make. I can’t wait to see the world my leaders of tomorrow create.”

Prise was recently named Norman High’s Teacher of the Year, an honor she credits in part to the Norman community.

“None of this would be possible without the Norman community.

Please know that your support is valued. Our future is bright because you have given teachers the tools to support and mentor the leaders of tomorrow.” – BSM

Kendell Lowry

At a time when many art and music programs are being cut in schools across the state, Kendell Lowry is trying to expand the opportunities at Adams Elementary.

This year, Lowry is growing the fourth-grade music production, which was inspired by “The Nutcracker.”

“This year’s program was much larger than we had previously done. We dreamed big and asked our fourth graders for incredible amounts of time, hard work, patience and teamwork,” she said. “And, man, did they deliver!” “It was amazing to see the students take ownership of their program. My teammates and I poured a lot of extra time and effort into this production, but witnessing every student get excited about singing, dancing, performing is something I will never forget.”

Lowry said her passion in the class room comes from her love of music, and her love of people.

“Teaching music seemed to be the best way to marry my two loves. Music class was always the best part of my day, and I became a teacher to hopefully make music the best part of my students’ day.”

Her goal is to inspire each of her students to love music in their own way.

“Whether they join band, orchestra or choir, learn the guitar, join their church choir or just jam out to music in their car, I want my students to believe that they are capable of musical endeavors and that their ‘singing’ voice matters.”

Lowry was selected as Adams’ Teacher of the Year.

“I feel so incredibly honored. My school is full of dedicated, passionate and loving teachers.

I feel so blessed to teach music in Norman Public Schools. Music. The arts receive a lot of love and support from NPS and the Norman community. I know this is not the case in every district, so I feel like much of my success is due to the incredible support.” – BSM