At the Watonga at Hinton football game, Watonga Principal Lauren Coleman and teacher Brandon Gallagher were presented a check for Science and Math education for Watonga High School by the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas. Oklahoma State Rep. Dick Lowe and OERB’s Ryan Lenaburg were also in attendance for the presentation.
This support will be benefiting Watonga STEM programs and teachers. Brandon Gallagher is one of the staff members benefiting from the donation.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your hobbies, your passions.
32 years of teaching. I’m married to Tiffani, the school counselor. My son, Bode, goes to OSU. My daughter, Piper, goes to NWOSU. Big hobbies are grilling, watching sports and I’m an OSU Alum.
What classes do/did you teach?
I’ve taught all of the social studies subjects and currently teach ACT prep.
Where did you go to college and what led you into teaching?
OSU, my dad and grandpa were both teacher/coaches. They were big influences. I’m the head boys basketball coach and golf coach. I’ve coached just about everything at some point.
Who mentored you into the educator you are today?
Coaches John Phillips (Stillwater HS) and Allen Boyd (Weatherford HS) gave me my first opportunities as a coach. My first mentor teacher was Becky Leonard (Weatherford HS); she had a big influence on me. But I’ve learned from numerous people over the years. Dr. Sherri Pankhurst is the one who got me interested in technology. She still helps me with ACT Prep and my responsibilities with our STEM labs.
What do you love about teaching?
I enjoy working with kids and watching them grow over the years into successful people.
What is great about your current school?
The thing that makes our school great is a commitment to excellence in everything we do. Rather, if it is Athletics, Band, FFA, and all types of educational endeavors. We have made a huge commitment to our STEM labs and increased technology classes. We also have a new aviation program that is being taught by a licensed pilot. Our test scores have been really good.
The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas are committed to supporting STEM education. Why is teaching Science and Math so important?
Science and math are obviously very important. Not just in a traditional sense but implementing it through technology and hands-on activities. Our world is ever-changing and a lot of the jobs the kids will be pursuing have probably not even been invented yet. I’ve taught long enough to see so many changes and it’s amazing how fast things are changing now. Our kids have to be prepared for this rapidly changing landscape.
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