OC education alumna praised by the Professional Oklahoma Educators group

Alyson Slack was recognized as an exemplary teacher in Midwest City. 

February 13, 2021

The Education Program at Oklahoma Christian University is proud to claim Alyson Slack as an alumna and current successful teacher at Parkview Elementary in Midwest City, Oklahoma. The nonprofit organization Professional Oklahoma Educators is based in Norman, Oklahoma, and its goal is to feature educators who have an important story to tell. Slack’s passionate desire for children to learn in a healthy environment gained deserved recognition at the state level. 

After serving as a kindergarten teacher for 12 years, Slack transitioned into her current role as a virtual first-grade teacher for students in her district. She took it upon herself to create an interactive curriculum for her young students learning through a digital screen.

Navigating a pandemic is a difficult task, especially for someone who is in charge of creating  productive education for first graders. It requires developmentally appropriate knowledge, flexibility, determination and heart. Slack demonstrates the skills that professors in the OC Education Program seek to cultivate among students. 

Retired OC Professor of Education Caren Feuerhelm taught Slack in her years at OC and acknowledged her passion for teaching. 

“I remember Alyson having such natural characteristics of a teacher,” Feuerhelm said. “She carried in her a warm disposition and the desire to keep learning.” 

Slack continues to enhance her career by attending teacher-workshops and defending developmentally appropriate practices that make learning come alive for children. Since she is fond of music, she enjoys teaching lessons through songs for the students to memorize. 

Slack makes an effort to cultivate a relationship with each student while adapting her classroom to their needs so that they can thrive. She also takes time to coach her students’ parents on how to become involved in their children’s education, which has greatly affected the success of their online learning. 

Professional Oklahoma Educators and OC are proud to recognize Slack because she is an example to instructors everywhere. Teachers never stop learning; they take the extra step to help an students reach their full potential. For more information on Slack’s work in the classroom, visit the Professional Oklahoma Educators’ blog here.