Truman Primary's Erickson wins 2024 Teacher of the Year, shares struggles

Apr. 29—Truman Primary School's Kristyn Erickson said she had come a long way before Norman Public Schools honored her as its 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Erickson started her teaching journey in 2006, but felt disappointment because she wasn't making the difference that she wanted to.

"I was a teacher for many years. I would have children come in my classroom in the fall and leave my classroom in May, and I tried everything I knew, and I wasn't effective in making a big difference with them," Erickson said.

She said the experience felt isolating, especially because the literacy rate among Oklahoma students is as low as it is. Different organizations like the World Population Review, The Nation's Report Card, and the National Center for Education Statistics place Oklahoma below average for elementary school literacy.

"I wasn't sure. Whatever growth they had in reading or writing was minuscule in the nine months time I had them. I went to a good college. I had a great program. I was in the district with great teachers and mentors," Erickson said. "I thought it was me. I was the problem, and that everyone on my right and left must know this information, or I must have skipped a class in college."

She stayed quiet about her problem, hiding the fact that she was struggling to teach her students how to read.

"It's not always easy to be vulnerable," she said. "I didn't know this. I didn't know what I was doing, and so I tried to get better."

The first grade teacher's struggles prompted her to take courses through Payne Education Center in Oklahoma City where she is earning a certificate in Academic Language Therapy, the highest level of competency in the field of dyslexia education or for those who may have specific language disorders.

While she is a first grade teacher and has her own traditional class of 20 students, she stays behind in the classroom to teach students with different developmental disorders, including those who experience dyslexia.

"My job with Norman Public Schools is to be a general education teacher," she said. "I see some children privately outside of my contract hours — students that have been identified as having various language processing delays.

"There's all these little buzz words, but language processing is an umbrella that covers several things, one being dyslexia," she said.

Erickson graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2006 with a degree in early childhood education.

Since changing her approaches, she has noticed that student outcomes are improving.

The district has also noticed.

"Kristyn Erickson epitomizes the essence of teaching excellence. Her unwavering dedication to her students, coupled with her innovative approach to education, sets her apart as a truly exceptional educator," said Nick Migliorino, district superintendent. "Kristyn goes above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences, leveraging both classroom resources and community connections to enrich her students' educational journey."

Erickson, who was raised in Richardson, Texas, said she is working hard to bring awareness to literacy, even among fellow teachers.

"What I learned along the journey is that I wasn't the only one who struggled. I'm still not the only one. There are some knowledge gaps, and that's one thing I'm trying to work on," Erickson said. "My platform is structured literacy for our students and how it is important to fight, not just for 40% or 50% literacy, but to get to that 100% literacy and getting these kids what they need."

She said she has felt support from community members who have encouraged her in her path.

"This is not just in Norman Public Schools. There is a push nationwide based on a literacy crisis we have in our country," Erickson said. "Being able to read and write is a dignity thing. It is something that you need in our world. That's what I'm for. Every child ought to have that right."

Kristie Eselin, principal at Truman Primary, said everyone at her school is thrilled for Erickson.

"We see the work she does with her first grade students every day and the effort she puts into her lesson planning, teaching and interactions with students, families and staff. As a true professional, she embodies the core values of Norman Public Schools and will be a great representative of our district," Eselin said.

She said Erickson has been recognized for consistency and professionalism, as well as tailoring lessons to individuals, especially those who need extra help.

"She is consistent and fair with preparing learning activities at various levels for small groups and individual interventions. She has high expectations for all students and is honest in sharing progress with parents," Eselin said. "As a professional, she communicates with families the importance of working together as a team to support their child with academic or behavior struggles."

Brian King covers education and politics for The Transcript. Reach him at bking@normantranscript.com.