Sheri Mathis was so sure someone else would be named Teacher of the Year for the Choctaw-Nicoma Park school district, she was paying little attention when the announcement was made.

With the 10 site Teachers of the Year lined up in front of a luncheon crowd at First Baptist Church of Choctaw, Superintendent Jim McCharen called Mathis’ name.

“I was talking to the teacher next to me. I was expecting someone else’s name to be called,” she said, in a later interview.

As she walked to the podium, Mathis began crying and could hardly make any comments to the audience.

“It all kinda crushed in on me,” she said, explaining the tears.

Her only words at the time were “thank you,” and then she turned and hugged Assistant Superintendent Meda Beall, who was standing behind her.

“Teachers in my building asked if I had prepared a speech and I said ‘no, no.’ This is really amazing,” Mathis said.

Mathis, the media specialist and librarian at James Griffith Intermediate, is the second teacher from JGI to win the district’s annual teacher honor in the last two years. Lori Sesenko was named the district’s top teacher last year.

“I had it in my head that there are teachers in other buildings that are incredible. I never expected to win,” she said.

Since she did win, Mathis will represent the district in the statewide Teacher of the Year contest. The winner will be announced at the Oklahoma State Fair in September.

Library lessons

Mathis taught fourth grade and worked as a media specialist in the Mid-Del district for 13 years before leaving to raise her son the last six years.

But in 2010, she decided to return to work and applied at the Choctaw district. Working as a media specialist and librarian, Mathis teaches library skills to third, fourth and fifth grade students at JGI. She teaches them about the library’s resources, genres in literature and reference skills.

Mathis not only works with the students, but she services the teachers, too.

“I work to find books that accommodate their classroom needs,” she said. “If a teacher says ‘I need books on rocks’ and we don’t have them, I’ll head over to the Metropolitan Library System and find the books.”

Mathis also is responsible for creating reading programs and promotions that encourage students to read more. For instance, she developed “Pop into the Library,” which gives students clues on finding a particular book. If students guess correctly, members of their class are rewarded with a popcorn and soda pop party.

“Everything they do in life, whether it’s in their education or careers, will depend on their reading skills. I encourage them to be life-long readers. Kids not only are reading printed books, but they’re also reading digital books. Still, a lot of students like to hold a book as they read,” she said.

Choosing Choctaw

When Mathis decided to re-enter the work force, she opted for Choctaw because of its top-notch  education, reputation and administration.

“I wanted a place where I could raise my son in quality educational environment,” she said. “I live in Choctaw so it’s nice to be close to home and in a close-knit community.”

School district officials are glad she chose Choctaw.

JGI Principal Kelli Hosford had high words of praise for her media specialist after the April 3 ceremony.

“She is so deserving, so amazing. She works so very hard with our staff and students. She came into a library that needed a lot of warmth, and has brought a lot of openness to the library. She helped in the construction of the library and worked several hours getting it set up. The library is alive with the lessons she teaches,” Hosford said.

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