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.
Zach Widener, a history teacher at Chichasha High School, is December’s honoree…
Current teaching role; some history of your teaching career, if applicable:
My teaching position includes World History Honors world History, US history and teaching as an adjunct for USAO conducting the US history section for the Chickasha high school students. I have been with Chickasha since 1998. I first started at the Junior High teaching history and assisting high Scholl Baseball and as the Head Junior high baseball coach. I coached both 8th and 9th basketball for 4 years and the junior high Football as an assistant for a year before becoming the Cross country assistant and running the program with my wife. I have been with the CHS cross country program for 18 years and love to watch the kids grow. Eight years ago my wife switched from track to tennis and convinced me to coach with her and we have been coaching tennis together ever since. We have established a competitive program where our players are successful. I love teaching. It has been a calling in my life. Coaching with my wife allows me to inspire athletes in a unique way that is lasting and meaningful. I am proud of my career and the lives that I have touched. Teaching and coaching is rewarding beyond any monetary realm. To inspire is the highest form of giving.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher at your school?
The rewards come in various forms. It can be on a daily basis where I see the students understand and process the elements of history in a meaningful and personal sense or it can be to watch them grow into learners that they did not know that they could become. To pour into another is always a reward. Or, there are moments when former students post comment on how my class was their favorite and how they were ready for college because of taking my history courses. That instills pride. Finally, the random email that says that your caring saved my life on a certain day when it was just a day that I was doing what I do for my students and caring for them because I genuinely do. The rewards come in all shapes and sizes.
What are some ways you continue to motivate your classroom and students?
In my classes, I conduct instructional dialogue based learning environment. Every student who enters my space knows that they will be treated equally. This in itself is motivating. I CARE. I my lengthy tenure, I have found that old fashioned interest, caring and and upbeat and real approach make the difference. My students don’t learn history because they LOVE history. They learn because I engage each of them. They know if you really care and that makes all the difference.
Share your best teaching story or memory.
I generally don’t think about the mass of memories as having a favorite. There are so many over the years that I cherish from funny to touching and even wacky.
Who is a mentor that has made a lasting impact on your education or teaching career and why? My father is my most lasting mentor. I grew up watching him “teach” his sermons. He did not preach at his congregation. He taught with such insight and ability to touch his audience that I was inspire and the bar was set for my future. My father was a man of integrity and honor. He loved people and upheld what is right. He made those around him feel valued and he knew the importance of communication. I will always cherish the lessons and the human compassion that I learned form my father.
Give an example of how you have best felt supported in your education career.
I come from a family of educators. I am surrounded by people who know and value education. On a daily basis, my wife and I teach and coach together. We lift each other up and catch one another when we are down or feeling empty or need a different perspective. When you surround yourself with like mined people, you bring yourself into accountability and gain support.
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 Boys and Girls assistant 18 years, Tennis boys head and Girls assistant 8 years Baseball assistant 3years
What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?
Athletics teaches life lessons. it is rewarding to see athletes overcome obstacles, set and achieve goals, and work for their dreams. These are all rewards but, not the greatest. The greatest reward is when you see your athlete later in their life and they come to you and thank you for the values that you instilled in them, they are better people for being a part of your program, and they have learned not only what it takes to be great at sport, but to be great at life.
Favorite game, meet, memory or moment from coaching so far?
One of my favorite moments is getting to be a coach and a father together. I had the opportunity to watch and help coach our son and daughter in their Cross Country seasons and at their stat meets.
What are some ways you continue to motivate your team and build your program?
Intensity, I bring it every day. I have a talk with my athletes every season. I let them know that I will give them everything that I have but, that isn’t enough. I teach them that they are the key to their success. They have to motivate themselves They have to come to practice to get better and we always have fun.
What is or was your team’s mindset/motto heading into this year’s season?
My favorite all time saying that all of my students and athletes will know is, Just Win”
It is a symbol of conquering your obstacles, breaking through fear, trying in spite of the odds. We can all benefit from the “Just Win” motto.
Read about previous Teacher Spotlights by COUNTRY Financial: https://ossaaillustrated.com/teacher-spotlight-sponsored-by-country-financial-2/
