OKLAHOMA CITY — Thirty-seven Oklahoma educators spent six days immersed in early American history at the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute of Colonial Williamsburg in June.
The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence coordinates the selection of educators from the state for fellowships to attend the renowned Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, which is held in and around the restored capital city of 18th-century Virginia. As they explore Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum, teachers learn from character interpreters and participate in hands-on activities and reenactments.
The BMWTI session “Becoming We the People” for Oklahoma fifth grade teachers, which took place June 1-6, looked at daily life in the American colonies from the period of British colonization through the American Revolution.
“This experience has also reenergized me as an educator, and I know that energy will translate into a more dynamic and meaningful learning environment for my students,” said Renee Pike, who teaches fifth grade social studies, math and science at Lexington Intermediate School.
Vanna Owens of Claremore served as facilitator for the fifth grade Oklahoma educators. She met daily with teachers to discuss interactive teaching techniques and help develop creative lesson plans based on their experiences.
Held June 8-13, the eighth grade Oklahoma teacher institute session, “Forming a More Perfect Union,” focused on how the United States’ founding ideals inspired citizens to shape and change the nation from the first American colonies through the Civil War.
“Discussions around freedom, responsibility and active citizenship reminded us that teaching history is not just about the past — it’s about helping students understand their role in shaping the future,” said Sonya Markle, an eighth grade U.S. history teacher from Ardmore Middle School.
OFE, a nonpartisan nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, has coordinated Oklahoma’s participation in the institute since 1993.
The program is made possible through the leadership and support of the late Oklahoma City businessman Edward C. Joullian III. Joullian was an active supporter and former board member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and an OFE trustee. Joullian’s family, along with a group of loyal donors, continues to support the fellowship program, which has served 1,225 Oklahoma teachers since 1993.
Fifth Grade Educators
Michelle Boone, Cushing Middle School (Cushing)
Katherine Ethridge, Nicoma Park Intermediate School (Choctaw-Nicoma Park)
Jeannie Eutsler, Dewey Elementary School (Dewey)
Miranda Fox, Waurika Elementary School (Waurika)
Chelsee Gray, Willard Grade Center (Ada)
Keri Gregg, Grove Upper Elementary School (Grove)
Aubri Guthrie, Redstone Intermediate School (Yukon)
Shaylin Hall, Lexington Intermediate School (Lexington)
Angie Horton, Choctaw Elementary School (Choctaw-Nicoma Park)
Christine Keith, Pioneer Intermediate School (Noble)
Carrie Khan, Deer Creek 4th/5th Grade Center (Deer Creek)
Jammie Kimmel, Piedmont Intermediate School (Piedmont)
Barbara Larkin, Richard Kane Elementary School (Bartlesville)
Alyssa Lester, Altus Intermediate School (Altus)
Cecelia McTighe, James L Dennis Elementary School (Putnam City)
Shaylin Nutter, Marietta Elementary School (Marietta)
Kendon Owens, Cordell Elementary School (Cordell)
Renee Pike, Lexington Intermediate School (Lexington)
Lisa Pitts, Oakdale Public School (Oakdale)
Renee Smith, Alex Elementary School (Alex)
Angela Tindall, Meadow Brook Intermediate School (Mustang)
Jan Volkmer, Metro Christian Academy of Tulsa
Amy Williams, Dewey Elementary School (Dewey)
Jennifer Williams, Willard Grade Center (Ada)
Eighth Grade Educators
Neveen Bashiti, Oklahoma Islamic Academy, Edmond
Jennifer Gay, Washington Middle School (Washington)
Brailey Gilbreath, Blackwell Middle School (Blackwell)
Pamela Hamman, Prague Middle School (Prague)
Bethany Holley-Griffith, Western Oaks Middle School (Putnam City)
Bethany Lovelace, Carver Middle School (Tulsa)
Sonya Markle, Ardmore Middle School (Ardmore)
Dee Maxey, Riverfield Country Day School of Tulsa
Ashleigh Schaffer, Etta Dale Jr High School (El Reno)
Brandi Thomas, Riverfield Country Day School of Tulsa
Shawna Tresler, Epic Charter Schools of Oklahoma City
Lousondra Waltz, Central Middle School (Edmond)
Kassandra Wingfield, Rock Creek Junior High School (Rock Creek)
Note: School district is in parentheses
