Terri Sloan – Teacher at Bixby Public Schools
Terri Sloan is a decorated educator of 36 years and counting. She has taught every age of student except the third grade. She is a graduate of Tulsa Memorial High School and then the University of Oklahoma, where she completed an MS in child development.
“My most influential teacher was a professor at OU, Joanne Hendrick,” said Sloan. “She pushed me to become a reflective teacher and an independent thinker. I believe that all students regardless of their neighborhood, family structure, or income deserve the best education available. I wanted to provide the best learning opportunity to the students I was assigned to.”
Sloan lived and taught in Texas before moving to Bixby 15 years ago. The choice to land in Bixby was one she researched because she also wanted the best for her daughter.
“We wanted a school that was competitive academically and athletically,” said Sloan. “We wanted a school where she would stand out and still fit in. We wanted her to have a district with academic success and be prepared when she continued to a university and a career. Bixby is a small town that provided big-town success for my family.”
After several years, Sloan decided to focus on teaching middle level math.
“I love working with students that may struggle with concepts, I am continually learning new ways to meet students where they are and help them to build confidence and find success in things that have been challenging,” said Sloan. “I love hearing that a student hated math until they were in my class. It is rewarding to see the progress, confidence, and success of students as they grow and learn.”
A few years ago, Sloan was also given the opportunity to be an athletic tutor at Bixby, where student-athletes who may be ineligible or struggling academically have access to tutoring Monday-Thursday mornings during zero hour. This promotes academic success as a focus of the athletic department.
“Sometimes students have missed school for athletic events and just need support in concepts that were missed during the absence, sometimes students have gaps in their learning, and I help meet their learning needs,” said Sloan. “Transition to high school can be challenging for many students. Since we have incorporated the athletic tutoring, fewer students are ineligible, and athletes are able to participate in the activities that they are interested in doing.” Sloan is a highly appreciated figure within Bixby schools and it’s easy to see why!
