Chandler Public Schools

Kristi Peery is an 8^th grade math teacher at Chandler Junior High where she has taught for the past 10 years.   She is also the junior high pom coach.  She was named the 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year from the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard and 2012-2013 Junior High Teacher of the Year by the local masonic lodge.

Q  Is there someone who inspired you to become a teacher? 
A  I was inspired by my high school math teacher, Susie Chapman. I enjoyed the way she would connect and challenge her students.  She brought the leaning concepts to life by real world connections.  My husband, Fred Peery always encouraged me and pushed me beyond my comfortable place.  He always tells me “You can do anything you put your mind to!”

Q  What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A  I enjoy making a difference in the lives of today’s youth.  It’s exciting to see a light bulb turn on in a student’s brain, they come alive and are excited about the new challenge they have just overcome.  I always include interactive discussions with my lessons.  I believe students learn in different ways and I use hands on learning as much as I can.  It wasn’t long ago I sat in their chairs and I keep that in mind while I’m teaching.

Q  How would you describe yourself as a teacher?
A  I’m passionate on promoting self-confidence and great attitudes in the lives of our future.  This is one way I believe I can change our world – one student at a time.  My classroom is an “only positive remarks aloud” zone.  If a student breaks this, they must say three positive remarks for every negative.  The students learn fast I’m not joking and I stick to my rules.  

Q  What is the greatest challenge you face as a teacher?
A  The challenge I face as a teacher is students and parents that are not invested in their education.  This is a continuing struggle for me.  I’m passionate about teaching and when there is no effort from the other end I continue to work for a solution to ignite that invested interest in education.

Q  What is the most rewarding part of teaching?
A  The most rewarding part of teaching is past students coming back to thank me for caring and pushing them to achieve greatness.
 

Kristi attended UCO where she received a bachelor degree in business.  She and her husband Fred have been married for nearly 20 years.  They have two beautiful daughters who attend Chandler Public Schools.  Shayla is 13 and Kalee is 11.  They enjoy exploring new destinations together; whether it’s new states, hiking and biking or discovering new things locally.  Their family enjoys spending their time outside as much as possible.