“Every day may not be good, but there is one good thing in every day.”
For 2023 National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson, these are words to live by — and the message she shared as keynote speaker for the Pryor Public Schools All-Staff Meeting.
Peterson, a Union High School math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma and the daughter of Swedish and Iranian immigrants, believes that seeking positive moments has the power to transform classrooms. She asked PPS educators to think back to the teachers who “made a seat at the table” for them — the ones who created a sense of belonging. Peterson believes that a sense of connection is key for student learning.
She credits her own transformation as a teacher to daily blogging on the “One Good Thing” site. In the early days, her posts reflected moments that stood out naturally. Over time, she began actively seeking the good in each day. Now, more than a decade later, she strives to be that “one good thing” for her students by creating a place for each of them to belong.
Reflecting on her career choice, Peterson said, “It’s true I did not know how hard this job would be; it is also true that I did not know how good it was going to be.” She emphasized that finding joy in he work is not “toxic Positivity,” but rather the realization that joy is not the absence of hardship:
“Joy can hold it all — the beauty and the sorrow of each story, the wins and the losses, the grief and the triumph. But joy insists on the good, the true, and the light having the final word.”
She also praised PPS staff for their collective effort, from custodians keeping buildings clean and welcoming, to bus drivers greeting students with a smile, to front office staff creating a warm first impression. Each plays a role in making students feel valued and connected to their school community.
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A District-Wide Gathering
The All-Staff Meeting at the Avra Auditorium is one of the few times during the year that the entire PPS team comes together. Faculty and staff filled the parking lots around Pryor High School before signing in for the year-opening professional development day.
The atmosphere was upbeat from the moment employees arrived. The Pryor High School band, cheerleaders, and poms team greeted staff with school spirit, setting the tone for the year ahead. The band opened the program with the Star-Spangled Banner, a reminder of public education’s role in preserving democracy.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Ballard welcomed the group and introduced Ann Horton, the 2025 Support Employee of the Year. Horton, who joined PPS in 2006, is known as “the gem” of the middle school office for her ability to keep the day running smoothly with grace and professionalism. She received a standing ovation from her colleagues.
Next, Aimee Weston, the 2025 Teacher of the Year, addressed the audience. She shared her gratitude for the honor and reflected on the importance of lifelong learning, quoting Michelangelo: “Ancora Imparo” (“I am still learning”). She encouraged her colleagues to continue walking the learning journey alongside their students.
Messages from Leadership
Board of Education President Fred Sordahl encouraged staff to “be where your feet are,” quoting Oklahoma City Thunder Coach Mark Daigneault. “The most important game is the one you are dealing with right now. The most important task is the one that you are dealing with right now,” Sordahl said. He introduced the Dignity Index, a tool for promoting meaningful and respectful communication, and praised PPS staff for treating each other and every student with dignity and respect.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Muller provided updates on district projects, including the new Tiger Stadium, which is on track for its late-August season opener. She also discussed legislative changes, including Oklahoma’s new “bell-to-bell” ban on personal electronic devices during the school day.
Muller shared good news on employee compensation — a $2,000 raise in addition to regular step increases — and expanded eligibility for the district’s attendance incentive policy.
Sordahl’s closing words summed up the day and set the tone for the year ahead:
“You do amazing work.”
With inspiration from national and local voices, Pryor Public Schools begins the year grounded in purpose, connected as a team, and ready to find “one good thing” each day.