By Khassandra Hameg

Although it took her some time to realize it, Haley Price was destined to be a teacher. The USAO graduate was named the Newcastle (Oklahoma) Public Schools Teacher of the Year and was recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education as a Rising Star.

At a young age, Price decided against teaching because of the low salaries paid to Oklahoma teachers. In an interview with The Newcastle Pacer, Price said she was good at English and had plans to become an editor when she enrolled at USAO, but she started feeling a void in her life.

“One day it just clicked that I wanted to be a teacher. I decided to listen to my inner-voice telling me what to do,” Price said. “My life fell into place immediately once I decided to become a teacher.” Price grew up in a family of educators. Her mother taught at the elementary level, while her father was a university professor and later worked for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

She graduated from USAO in 2009 with a degree in English, but returned to the university and received her teacher certification in 2013.

“USAO’s teaching program is awesome. I graduated feeling ready and confident,” Price said. USAO created the person I am today with the variety of classes and activities they offer. The classes are so different and mind blowing.

“On a professional level, USAO set me up with what I needed in a comfortable environment. I was so ready (not scared or timid) to work as soon as I got my teaching certification. They help you know exactly what you want. If you were ever unsure about your future or what you wanted to do, this school helps you uncover your own potential and possibilities, while tapping into your interests.”

Price teaches English at Newcastle and serves as the Show Choir choreographer and yearbook sponsor. Her aunt served as a registrar for the Newcastle district. She told The Newcastle Pacer that she was shocked to receive the Teacher of the Year honor.

“It was such a surprise. I thought there was no way I could win. I felt that maybe they thought I was too young or haven’t had many years of experience teaching. I feel you just have to try your best even if you have self-doubt, which everyone does. Just try your best.”

She was named one of 12 Rising Stars in Oklahoma earlier this year. Rising Stars are teachers who show an amazing amount of promise in their profession. They are selected in addition to the 12 finalists for the state Teacher of the Year.

Her responsibilities at Newcastle will change in the fall. Price will continue to teach junior students, but take on senior students as well. “I had such great students last year, and I just found out that I get to have some of them again, since I’ll be teaching seniors for the first time. It’s a challenge, but I’m excited to take it on,” Price said.

Outside the classroom, Price volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program of Norman.

Help the USAO Alumni Association celebrate its 100th anniversary by submitting a 100 Alumni You Should Know profile at https://usao.edu/forms/100-alumni.