Congratulations Kenzie, we are proud to honor your dedication to students and learning!

Lower Elementary:

 Patti Runnels

Kindergarten teacher, Patti Runnels has been teaching at Glenpool for 10 years. She is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University. Mrs. Runnels describes her classroom and teaching style stating, "My classroom is a calm, respectful, happy environment where students feel safe and protected. My teaching style changes to meet the needs of each student, as there is a unique range of learning abilities and personality types. However, there is one teaching style that I find works on each and every child, which is love! Where there is love, there is trust, and with trust comes an open mind to what I have to offer. I strive to give each child what they need at any given time." Mrs. Runnels enjoys finding the balance between learning and fun. She ensures that students are learning essential skills even when the students themselves are unaware of the work they are doing because she makes it so fun. When asked what she wants people to know about her as a teacher, Mrs. Runnels states, "I want people to know that every student I teach becomes a part of me. They are never far from my thoughts, whether I am with them or not. I am constantly trying to think of ways to reach each of my children. I start my days thinking of them and their need, and I end my days with a mental checklist of each student and what I can do differently or more efficiently to see them reach their full potential. Most of all, I want each and every child to know that I care deeply about them!" Mrs. Runnels truly exemplifies the conduct and attitudes of an excellent Teacher of the Year.

Upper Elementary:

Heather Straessle

Intermediate:

Cami Gregory

Cami Gregory has always known she would be a teacher. She declared herself a teacher at an early age, and began "teaching classes" in her bedroom to  her dolls, toys, and younger brother. Cami began her teaching career at Glenpool Elementary after completing her internship and a subsequent long term substitute position at Glenpool. Over the past eleven years, Cami has taught 5th grade ELA, Math, and Social Studies, 4th grade Science and Writing, and is currently teacher 6th grade Math at Glenpool Intermediate.

Cami graduated with her degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University in 2009 and began working in the classroom the following fall. Since beginning her career in Glenpool she has been a part of various hiring committees and always tries to step in wherever there is a need. She was a member of the K20 Grant Committee.

Cami is involved at Yale Avenue Christian Church were she participates in the Chancel Choir. Cami has been married to her husband, Travis, for thirteen years. They live in Sapulpa where they love to spend their free time with their four year old daughter, Reagan.

"Simply put, Cami genuinely cares about students. She does a great job building relationships and works hard every day to change lives, I appreciate all that she does for students, our building, and our district.".  - Pete Bell

Middle School:

Jennifer Jarnagan-Riem

My name is Jennifer Jarnagan-Riem and I am the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year candidate for Glenpool Middle School.

My responsibilities at Glenpool include teaching 7th grade mathematics, coaching the Glenpool Middle School Cross Country team and I am the sponsor/editor for the GMS yearbook staff. I have been with Glenpool for 4 years now and have taught a total of 14 years. I have been married to my husband Jason for almost 20 years and we have 2 amazing kids, Janson and Jenna. When I am not teaching, I am training for the upcoming 2020 Ironman race that will be held in Tulsa on May 31st. I enjoy the discipline and accountability the sport of triathlon gives me. I use my personal training routine to inspire and encourage my students and athletes, letting them see that  'Anything is Possible' when you put in the work.

My teaching philosophy would be best described as 'I believe every student is capable of learning, period'. Specifically, in my classroom, I believe every student is capable of learning math. The keys are for students to be engaged and comfortable. As an educator, I provide students consistency, mutual respect, patience, empathy and kindness. We build strong relationships that allow us to walk into the room each day with an understanding of what it is that needs to be done and a mindset that anyone can learn anything, it's just a matter of finding the best way for each individual student.

I am humbled and honored to be chosen as the candidate for my site, to represent our school district. I have found a home at Glenpool and I couldn't be more proud to represent my school and my GMS family.

High School:

Kenzie Royce

Kenzie Royce began her teaching career at Glenpool High School in 2006. Kenzie makes an impact on students lives through her relationship with students in the classroom and her involvement in extracurricular activities. She coached volleyball and has been the class sponsor for both the junior and senior class. She currently is the sponsor for National Honor Society, Junior Class/Prom Committee and Student Council. Kenzie is a talented educator who is creative and makes learning fun for her kids. She has led the Social Studies team since 2008 and has been recognized as the 2013-2014 High School Educator of the Year and Secondary Educator of the Month 5 times. She has written curriculum for Holocaust Studies, World War II History through Literature and Student Life. Her principal, Kim Coody said "Kenzie Royce is exceptional. She has a heart for students and is a creative educator. She wants Glenpool students to have the best high school experience and she goes above and beyond to make that happen whether it be in the classroom or through extracurricular activities." Kenzie is married to Thomas and has two adorable children, Maddox and Ellasyn.