Eugene Field Elementary Teacher Ready For Students

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- While many are just now beginning to look for back-to-school supplies for our kids, others are ready for the first day of school on Wednesday.  Teachers at Tulsa's five continuous learning schools have been getting classrooms ready for days.  One kindergarten teacher at Eugene Field Elementary could not be more excited.

Angela Graham is putting the final touches on her kindergarten classroom at Eugene Field Elementary. It's one of Tulsa's five continuous learning schools or year round schools.  She's busy getting ready for the first day of school.

On Tuesday, she was putting the kids' names on the lockers and getting the classroom books organized.

She became a teacher after she raised her family, ran a business and even had two grandkids.

"It just dawned on me I've never done what I wanted to do which was teaching," said Angela Graham.

She went back to school and is about to begin her third year in the classroom.  Her 19 students will learn colors, shapes, numbers and letters. They'll learn to recognize sight words and many will learn to read, but she wants more for them.

"I want them to learn character. I want them to be kinder when they've left at the end of the day," said Angela Graham.

To be calmer and to manage their emotions, she can't wait to get started.  And, she can't wait to meet her class.

"I think I'm here because this is exactly where I'm supposed to be," said Angela Graham.