Chandler Public Schools

Latricia “Trish” Lewis grew up just down the road in Davenport, Oklahoma and attended UCO in Edmond.  She received her degree in Early Childhood Education while working full-time as a Kindergarten Assistant in Chandler.  She’s now in her fourth year teaching, and third year as a Kindergarten teacher at CPS.  

Q  What led you to teaching?
A  My son had some serious struggles in first grade. I followed my instincts as a mother and left my job at NAICO to help him at school. Being at school every day reminded me of my long forgotten dream of being a teacher.

Q  Did you have any people who influenced your decision to become an educator?  
A  When I was working as an assistant, several East Side teachers encouraged me to get my teaching degree. I was filled with doubt but these friends believed in me. Lisa Hart told time and time again that she knew I could do it. Every single person at East Side was supportive of me in many ways. I will be forever grateful to all of them.

Q What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A   Having enough time to get everything done. 

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A  When I hear comments about how much a student or parent liked my class. Every time that happens, I think that is the best thing that has happened to me as a teacher. Just knowing that I made a difference makes me feel great!

Q   What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A Year after year, my students are surprised that learn that I am an Indian. It usually comes up each year around November, but this year it came up earlier. It can be disturbing to hear the misconceptions small children are still receiving about Native Americans. It makes me realize we need to be careful about how we are portrayed in books and other media. Whatever it is that keeps these stereotypes alive needs to go!

Trish and her husband Bradley have been married for 23 years. They have a daughter Alexis, 18, and son Trey, 16. Alexis is a freshman at OSU and Trey is a junior at Chandler. (She sends her apologies to the high school teachers!) She enjoys spending time with her family. They like to play basketball and laugh as much as possible.