Chandler Public Schools

Celeste Spruill is the sixth grade reading teacher at Park Road Elementary.  This is her 24th year of teaching and 16th year in Chandler. She is also the leader for the PRIDE Program which stands for Park Road Initiative to Develop Excellence.

Celeste grew up in Okmulgee and Tulsa. She graduated with a bachelors from East Central University and received her Masters from Southeastern State University

Q  What led you to teaching?
A  I always played school growing up and wanted to be a teacher. One of my first jobs was working at a daycare and I've been in love ever since.

Q  Did you have anyone who influenced who you are and your decision to become an educator?
A  I was always shy and quiet and never had much confidence growing up. When I was a senior, my music teacher took notice of me and had me compete at state. I received a superior rating on my performance and always look back to her encouraging me and believing in me.

Q  What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A  I am always motivated to get up and go to work to be there for my students. Whether it is to teach or be their encouragement, I want them to know I will always be there to advocate for them, even after they leave my classroom at the end of the year.

Q  What are you most excited or passionate about?
A  I am always excited about trying to make a difference in a student's life. What can I do to make them want to come to school and do their best.

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A  It is challenging at times not to get stuck in my ways at times.I want to make sure I never get complacent. To be my best, I must continue to learn and have an open mind about new ideas and learning strategies.

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A  There is no better feeling than having former students come back and give me a hug or tell me I made a difference in their lives.

Q  What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A  Two years ago at the age of 44, I started running. I used to think people who liked to run were crazy. Now I love the feeling and accomplishment I get when doing it. I currently have a broken toe so I am chomping at the bits to heal and get back to it.

Q  What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt?
A  I always liked swimming so maybe a lifeguard?

Q  What are three things every teacher should have?
A  The most important trait that a teacher should have for their students is respect. If you treat students with respect, then you will receive it in return. If you show students that you listen to them and that each and every one of them are important to you, you will get the best from each student. They will listen better, they will act better, and they will give you their best when you give them your best.

One of the most important traits that a teacher should have is empathy. We were all children once and need to remember to walk in their shoes. As adults we don’t like being reprimanded so we need to look at students the same way. When a child makes a mistake, I always try to explain what they did wrong and how we can fix it next time. They know that I have empathy for them and I feel like they are comfortable around me to know that they aren’t in trouble, but we can use this as a learning tool to do better the next time.

I also feel that as educators we need to be continually looking for ways to be a better teacher. The learning process never stops.

Celeste has been married to her husband Kevin for 26 years. They have three children. Her oldest is Chastyn. Celeste says she has a passion for softball and her two sons Cayse 5, and Cohen 3. Kaden is her middle son. She says he is a workaholic. He is currently the president of the museum here in town and also the general manager at Sonic in Stroud. Trever is her youngest and is still in school here. Celeste says he is active in band, choir, and drama. She loves watching him perform and as a family they enjoy traveling in the summertime. They always make sure that includes going to the beach. On the weekends, Celeste loves spending time with her two grandsons and they are always looking for new adventures.