This week, we will be featuring two different NHS teachers: Kara Stoltenberg and Ryan King.
Ms. Stoltenberg, our first Norman High “Teacher of the Week,” is an English teacher focusing on AP
English IV, CP English IV, and Honors English II.
Ms. Stoltenberg shares a little bit about herself and some of her favorite things in an interview with Joey Zinn.
Q: How long have you been working here?
A: “12 years”
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: “OU”
Q: Did you know you wanted to be a teacher when you graduated high school?
A: “I did, but I think college made me doubt that a little bit. I didn’t know for certain until
I student taught.”
Q: Did you know you wanted to teach English when you started thinking about
becoming a teacher?
A: “I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but then chose English as my focus in college
because I felt like I could really get to know students through their writing and the topics we get
to discuss in an English classroom.”
Q: What is your favorite part about working at Norman High?
A: “I love the english department– love my teacher friends. And the students are
always really fun to get to know and just a good time.”
Q: What are some things you enjoy doing to decompress from the busy schedule of
being a teacher?
A: “I love going for a walk outside, watching ridiculous shows like The Bachelor or
Love is Blind, and baking.”
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: “I really like all different types of music, but I probably lean more towards indie rock
and soul.”
Q: What is your favorite show?
A: “Gilmore Girls never gets old– it’s a comfort show for me at this point, and I always
enjoy rewatching it.”
Q: What part of teaching is the most rewarding to you?
A: “I love the experience of 2nd semester when my classes are comfortable with me
and I’m comfortable with them. At that point there’s just such a sense of community, and I really
enjoy getting to spend time with each class.”
Mr. King, our second Norman High “Teacher of the Week,” is Norman High School’s media teacher. He organizes the production of the Morning Roar for the whole school to watch. This year is his second year teaching in a school setting. He is excited for the opportunities this year has to offer.
Q: How has this year been for you? Do you have any big plans for this school year?
A: “The year has been great so far. Since it is my first full year I have a full curriculum built out this year and quite a few returning students who know who I am and what my class is like. I do have some big plans this year. We built in some surprises for the more advanced classes to keep them on their toes and implemented a sports show and a segment specific show on the Morning Roar. This allows the kids to do more content that they are interested in and makes the show more entertaining for our viewers, at least we hope!”
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: “I attended the University of Oklahoma.”
Q: Did you know you wanted to be a teacher when you graduated HS? (Follow up if not) What were your plans?
A: “No, I did not know I would ever teach when I graduated high school, or even college! I went to OU to major in Broadcast Journalism and worked in TV covering news in Fayetteville, Arkansas for a year and then sports in Lubbock, Texas for 5 years after that. I loved my time working in TV and now this was an amazing opportunity to help others learn video production and help students in their journey in both learning and maybe even pursuing broadcast journalism as a career. I have been very blessed to work in the industry and I am very blessed to get to teach video production at Norman High now. There’s a season for everything and I know this is where I am supposed to be right now and what I am supposed to be doing.”
Q: What is your favorite part about working here?
A: “I love the student body and all I learn from them and get to experience with them. Before working here I hadn’t been around high schoolers since I was in high school. They are fun and engaging and crazy and unique. Watching them learn is very fulfilling and even though the slang can drive your crazy sometimes, building the relationships is a blessing to my life. Jesus Christ calls us to build up and support the next generation. I am lucky to get to do that while teaching a subject I enjoy and having fun in class every day! Also, my fellow teachers are amazing. I have observed so many teachers here and we truly have an extremely smart, talented, empathetic, and sacrificial staff. The students, as well as myself, are very lucky to be at a school with these professionals.”
