Published: July 16, 2008 11:33 am      

Soldier Creek's Admire up for honors

Sherri Admire says everyone is a teacher in his or her own way. Usually, learning starts in the home, but when a child does begin school, this Soldier Creek teacher is eager to do her part.

If awards and recognition are any indicator, Admire has excelled at her position. She’s been Soldier Creek’s teacher of the year. This year, she was top educator in Mid-Del and she is one of 12 finalists for the 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year award. She also recently was named local and state teacher of the year by the United States Air Force. To add to the list, Admire is also nominated for a national award, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math. She describes this one as “ a very big award.”

She’s been an educator for 31 years, all but three have been spent in Mid-Del, working in the special education department. Most of her students, she says, have a tough time with school, but when she hears “I did it” from a student’s mouth, or sees the light in a pupil’s eyes after solving a problem, it makes it all worth it. Teaching is her passion.

“It’s kind of like eating chocolate bars one after another, it’s pretty cool,” Admire said about how educating makes her feel.

With the help of her brother, whose little red wagon doubled as a mass transportation system for neighborhood kids, Admire began her teaching career from a tent in her back yard at the age of 8. Her school- Sherri’s Sunshine Summer School. The curriculum-tad poles, maybe some jump rope or anything else that an 8-year-old would want to impart on a friend.

Admire started teaching professionally for Oklahoma City Public Schools. She worked with terminally ill and severely abused students.

“There’s a spirit down in there waiting to be lit up,” Admire said.

After this stint, where she says she learned a lot about life, Admire moved on to Mid-Del where she developed what she feels is a unique teaching method to get through to students who often have a tough time learning, or just aren’t interested.

“I [use] science and math a lot to spark my kids’ interest and desire to learn,” Admire said. “It’s very unique, a real minds on, hands on [experience].”

The students seem to be responding, and when they do, Admire garnishes a little confirmation for her life’s ambition.

“Learning is an exciting adventure, and we’re all on this trip together.”