Teacher Spotlight Sponsored by COUNTRY Financial
The OSSAA & COUNTRY Financial are teaming up to recognize the efforts of educators and coaches/advisors who go beyond the call of duty to positively impact the lives of Oklahoma high school students inside and outside of the classroom.
Tim Shortes, a math teacher at Noble Public Schools, is February’s honoree…
Current teaching role & some history of your teaching career, if applicable.
I’m teaching 7th grade Math and coach MS and HS Cross Country and MS boys track for Noble Public Schools. I am in my 26th year of teaching with 5 years in the Lexington Public School system and then 21 for Noble. I have taught anywhere from MS Math up to Algebra 2 and coached MS and HS Baseball and Fastpitch and 7th grade Basketball.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher at your school?
Seeing former students and hearing about all they are doing and their successes.
What are some ways you continue to motivate your classroom and students?
I try to show them that they are more than capable and can do much more than they believed they could.
Share your best teaching story or memory.
I have many students come to me and just tell me how they appreciated me working with them and teaching them because coming in they didn’t believe they were any good at Math.
Who is a mentor that has made a lasting impact on your education or teaching career and why?
Hal Clary. He was always someone I could count on when I began teaching at Noble and even after retiring he still keeps in touch with me
Give an example of how you have best felt supported in your education career.
I have had wonderful teachers that I have leaned on for support and we have helped motivate each other even when we have felt overwhelmed and it has been tough teaching in the Educational climate of the state.
Are you also currently coaching a sport or activity?
Yes
High School Coaching (school, sport/activity, level and how long you’ve been there, overall years).
Cross country the past 3 years for Noble
What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?
Putting athletes in a position and watching the work to improve and compete
Favorite game, meet, memory or moment from coaching so far?
The first year I coached the HS XC team and the girls qualified for state by 1 point after 1 of my runners passed 4-5 other runners in the last 200 meters to the finish line.
What are some ways you continue to motivate your team and build your program?
By showing that I believe in them and am always there to support them
What is or was your team’s mindset/motto heading into this year’s season?
Finish. Last year we dealt with a lot of injuries and struggles.
Read about previous Teacher Spotlights by COUNTRY Financial: https://ossaaillustrated.com/teacher-spotlight-sponsored-by-country-financial-2/
