Teaching is a career that not everyone is cut out for. But for those that are, it can be a very rewarding career. Tacy Hurst has spent over three decades teaching students at her alma mater, Woodward High School. She says that as a student at Woodward, her life was impacted by a couple of teachers and that helped her make the decision to pursue a career in education.
“I decided to become an English teacher in middle school when I had Mrs. Linda Harrison and Mrs. Betsy Zadorozny,” she said. “They were exceptional, innovative educators who pushed students to achieve. I was lucky to have these ladies and many other influential educators throughout my schooling.”
Hurst joined the staff at Woodward right out of college and she is in her 32nd year. She has taught at all levels of the high school, but she currently teaches Senior English. She also teaches Composition I and II through Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Woodward campus.
Teaching is a rewarding career and Tacy says that watching her students grow is one of the things she loves most about her job.
“I enjoy helping students grow in their writing and analytical skills,” she said. “I love seeing them gain more confidence in their own abilities and mature into effective writers and independent thinkers. I also enjoy sharing with them the power of literature and the lessons we can learn through reading.”
Throughout her years of teaching, Hurst has been given numerous pieces of advice to help her along the way. She says that there is one that has stuck with her over the years.
“The best advice I have been given is to be flexible,” she stated. “You never know what any day or hour has in store for you and learning to adapt to the day, students’ needs, new technology, etc. is important in being an effective educator.”
Tacy and her husband Rick have been married for 31 years. They have two daughters, Hillary and Kaylee, both are WHS graduates and members of the 2016 state champion basketball team.
“When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to concerts, playing golf, and reading.”
