- The results are being filtered by the department: English
My teaching career began in China in 1987. Three years later, at the American Academy in Istanbul, Turkey, I adopted my life’s motto: “I want to dance with the whole world!” Include everyone, exclude no one. I have been devoted to my partner in life for over 30 years, the last 20 of those in our little home on the river bend near downtown Tulsa.
My passion for teaching is deeply connected to helping students become better global citizens, equipped with the essential critical thinking tools needed to imagine and pursue their future with greater confidence.
Email: jdonaldson@tsas.org
Room: 112 B
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Oral Roberts University
My favorite quote is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” by Maya Angelou. These are my words to live by, because I know how true they are, and I try to be mindful of them from day to day. I love my family, and I particularly adore my mother. My nephew Quincey has stolen my heart, and I love animals (especially dogs and elephants, the only exception would be snakes). I also love to watch movies; new movies or old movies, I just love movies.
I teach because it is the BEST job in the world. There is a never a boring or dull day or moment, and I have a passion for middle school students who I get to engage with on a daily basis! We are living and learning! TSAS + middle schoolers = a magical carpet ride, and I am highly committed to the ride.
Email: edorsey@tsas.org
Room: 314
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Northeastern State University
- Master of Science in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership – Reading and Literacy Emphasis from Oklahoma State University
Hailing originally from the DC Metropolitan area, I moved to Oklahoma in 2011 to attend graduate school and never left. So I guess this is home now? I’m an enthusiast of vinyl (listening to and collecting), hockey (watching and playing), books (“Obnoxiously well read,” per a source), movies, baking, chess, and playing the guitar and harmonica, just to name a few. (Some people say I collect hobbies.) I am also a big fan of dogs, especially my two dummies: Scout and Mabel.
I am a teacher of English because I believe in the mission of the humanities. The humanities, as I understand them, seeks to explore human experience and to appreciate and interrogate human accomplishments and failures so we may better understand our contemporary moment. More importantly, the humanities are forward-looking: it looks to where we are going, not just where we have been and where we are. In my English classes, I hope to foster dialogue and the necessary communicative skills through an engagement with literature and writing of all kinds so that my students can ultimately learn from the past and experiences of others to create a better and more equitable future for themselves and others.
Email: dhawkins@tsas.org
Room: 113 A
Educational Background:
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- PhD in English, Oklahoma State University
- M.A. in English, Oklahoma State University May 2014
- B.S. in Mass Communication, Shepherd University
My family comes from Tulsa, my great-great grandmother lived here in Owen Park, and I grew up in a small Oklahoma community, graduating from Indianola High School, a close-knit school with a graduating class of just 20 students. My family encouraged me to explore a wide range of stories and ideas-from classic books to shows like Scooby-Doo-which is not just my comfort show but also helped shape my curiosity and open-mindedness. In college, I served as Vice President of the Stonewall Equality Alliance, an experience that deepened my commitment to advocacy and inclusivity. I bring that same passion to the classroom, helping students develop as thoughtful thinkers and confident communicators.
I do this work because stories open doors and create opportunities to better understand one another, but that alone isn’t enough-students must also develop the skills to read, write, think critically, and advocate for themselves. Without these skills, their futures will be shaped by others who don’t have their best interests at heart. Teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about empowering students to become active participants in their own lives and communities.
Email: mmyers@tsas.org
Room: 301
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education (BA Ed) from Northeastern State University of Oklahoma
I love learning and hope I never stop. I enjoy learning alongside my students. And I especially enjoy seeing students grow both as writers and in their appreciation of the power of writing for their lives.
I’m raising three kids with my best friend in Broken Arrow and I love living here. I’ve recently started doing yoga. One of my favorite hobbies is competitive kettlebell lifting. Kurt Vonnegut changed my life.
Email: srustin@tsas.org
Room: 115
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Evangel University
- Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College