Bryan Herring
Chandler High School
JH/HS Art Teacher
CHS Lady Lions Head Softball Coach
CJH Lady Lions Basketball Coach
A native of Chandler, Coach Herring is beginning his 18th year teaching; his 14th year at CPS. After high school he attended various colleges, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Q What led you to teaching?
A Well starving artist didn’t sound very good and I like to help people learn about art and how to be more creative. So it was just a fit.
Q Did you have any key mentors who influenced your decision to become an educator?
A My 7th grade English teacher Karee Patterson. And I had some great coaching mentors as well: Mark Howard, Ed Miller, Joe Faircloth, Pat Kohen, and my ‘pops’ Gary Herring.
Q What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A To see my students develop into better technical artists than I am and to see their creativity grow.
Q What are you most excited or passionate about?
A Teaching my athletes to be competitive not only in sports but in every aspect of life, and To never give up on their dreams.
Q What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A Right now, Covid. Because art is hands on and it is hard to do in a virtual classroom.
Q What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A Well truthfully, my daughter Madison was born while I was teaching, as was Korvyn and my grandkids Liam and Alivia. But career wise I would say winning three state titles. Also, seeing how much my former students progress in the arts after high school.
Q What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A I still watch Batman/Justice League Cartoons with my kids. Superman sucks by the way. And my wife, Shawnda, turned me into a closet George Straight fan.
Q What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt?
A Truthfully I think a writer. I’ve written one book already and have started on a second one while waiting on the first one’s publication.
Q What are three things every teacher should have?
A Patience, ability to adapt, and a credit card. You’re gonna need all three.
Bryan has been married to Shawnda for 21 years. Their kids are Justin, Desmyn, Lauren, Makalyn, Maddie, and Korvyn. They have a granddaughter named Alivia, and a new baby grandson Liam.
Herring said, “We do all kind of regular ol family stuff. Oh, and Shawnda, Lauren, Makalyn, Maddie, and Korvyn all work in the haunted house that I run every year for the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History. We all dress up like clowns and frighten people; except Shawnda, she is more like the circus ring leader.”