As a little girl I played “teacher” with my dolls and stuffed animals. I was the first in my family to graduate high school. As a high school senior in a small town in Arkansas- when I asked my high school counselor about college and becoming a teacher she stated, “Girls like you don’t go to college.” I didn’t understand that statement but believed it to surely be true. I did what “girls like me” did- got married at the end of my high school senior year. God blessed a young naive girl with a guy who has supported me every step of the way.
I have 2 children who went to Harvest Hills Elementary, Cooper Middle School, and Putnam City High School. I started in Putnam City as a PC West counseling secretary. At PC West my dream to be a teacher started to ignite again- was it possible? Could my dream finally become a reality? With encouragement and support from many counselors, teachers, and even the students I decided to finish my degree. Another first, I was now the first in my family to have a college degree. However, there were many sacrifices that came from pursuing my dreams and as a mom I struggled with the guilt of not being there for my children.
I joined the Putnam City family in 1998 at Putnam City West, Western Oaks, PC North, and now Hefner Middle School, my home for the past 16 years! Putnam City is family!! Putnam City West and Putnam City High were home to my husband Wayde Coleman for 25 years. Putnam City High School is currently home to my son Jeremy Coleman who is the “voice of the Pirates”. Harvest Hill Elementary is home to my daughter Jessika Coleman Prucha who teaches music.
I am blessed and thankful to be named TOY at Hefner Middle School this year but the real credit goes to my Putnam City family who supported a young girl with a dream. I felt a calling to become a teacher, I wanted to help my students learn, grow, and find their love of learning. My calling is now a reality. I get to share my story with my students and help them realize their dreams can come true too. Over the years some of my students have gone on to become teachers and my colleagues. Thank you Putnam City for making my students' dreams come true and helping ALL students realize they can dream BIG! Thank you for making a home for MY calling and for making a little girl's dream come true. Putnam City Where Dreams Come True!