Owasso High School teacher Tricia Smith is originally from Lawton, Oklahoma where she graduated from Eisenhower High School and later Cameron University. Smith now has three sons and teaches Advanced Geometry, Algebra I and serves as the senior class co-sponsor.
“This is my 29th year to teach and 21st year to teach in Owasso,” said Smith.
As an educator, Smith said she enjoys seeing her students succeed and helping them find their way through a tough lesson.
“The thing I enjoy the most about being an educator is seeing the light bulb come on. When kids really struggle and they get that revelation moment, it is awesome. I love teaching Geometry because it is everywhere and I love being able to show kids we really are going to use this someday,” said Smith.
Smith was inspired by several of her teachers when she was a student and their influence helped shape Smith into the educator she is today.
“I had several teachers who inspired me throughout my life. Mrs. Patti Cargill, my sixth-grade teacher helped me realize I wanted to be a teacher just like her. Mrs. Doreen Vandel, my Geometry teacher, and Mr. David Bear, my Algebra II teacher helped me realized I was good at math and inspired me to take that career path. And finally, Dr. Gary Huckaby, my Calculus 1 & 2 professor, was patient with me and encouraged me when I wanted to give up because math can be really hard,” said Smith.
Smith also spends many hours volunteering her time with her church.
“A fellow teacher, Maureen Tillinghast and I, partner with Suzanne Dossett and Barnes Community Center each Christmas to coordinate with their angel tree project. With the help of our student body, faculty/staff, and clubs/organizations we are able to sponsor 20-30 angels each year. I have also co-sponsored NJHS in the past through which I helped organize a variety of school and community improvement projects,” said Smith.
Mrs. Smith offers this advice to anyone considering teaching as their career path.
“Advice I would give to someone wanting to be a teacher would be, if this is what you are passionate about, do it. There is nothing better than fulfilling your dreams and helping kids find theirs. It is definitely not about money. If I were to do it all over again, hands down, I would follow my dreams and be a teacher,” said Smith.
