Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week: April 21-25!
Wednesday, April 16th:
Attend the Tulsa City Council meeting at 5 p.m. in a blue or a partner shirt!
One Technology Center in Downtown Tulsa
We will be sharing a statement of support during public comment.
View example statements here.
Monday, April 21st:
Attend the Tulsa Public Schools Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. in a blue or a partner shirt!
Charles C. Mason Education Service Center, 3027 S. New Haven Ave.
We will be sharing a statement of support during public comment.
View example statements here.
Download email templates here.
Tuesday, April 22nd:
Sign our pledge of ongoing support!
After you sign, invite your networks to do the same.
Wednesday, April 23rd:
Help us spread the good news of the impact of afterschool in Tulsa!
Post and share this video.
Thursday, April 24th:
Send this e-mail to State Superintendent Ryan Walters
and the Oklahoma State Department of Education
Friday, April 25th:
Join the movement by posting your own story about an afterschool professional who made a difference. Let’s show our support and highlight the impact of afterschool programs across Oklahoma!
Share these graphics along with your story and use #AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
(¡Aquí en espańol!)
We invite you to join us in celebrating Tulsa’s afterschool professionals by engaging with as many of the calls to action above as you’d like.
With questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to learning@theopp.org
Want to display a poster in support of Afterschool Professionals?
Last school year, over 9,000 youth in Tulsa had access to expanded learning. We have afterschool professionals to thank for that.
Spotlighting Tulsa’s Afterschool Professionals!
Alec Dugin, Changemakers and Indigenous Student Association through Tulsa Debate League
Education Background: Alec holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Genetics, Cell, and Developmental Biology) and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology (STEM) from Arizona State University, along with minors in History and Spanish and a certificate in Evolutionary Medicine. He is a member of the TFA Launch Fellowship, which prepares fellows for future leadership in education, and a TFA Activate Fellow. Additionally, he is an OTEP-designated teacher, a Professional Group Learning Community (PGLC) science teacher within Tulsa Public Schools, and previously served as a TPS Superintendent’s Teacher Cabinet Ambassador (2022-2024). Alec was also recognized as Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.
“When my former students visit me to tell me about how their paths are going, it is the ultimate litmus test that validates my soul that what I am doing is still worth it. ”
Crystal Patrick, Global Gardens
Education Background: Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She earned her Alternative Certification in Education and is a Certified Facilitator for Race & Equity Dialogues through the Mayor’s Office of Resilience.
“Young people are brilliant, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is being the adult in the room who helps them see just how powerful they already are.”
Jonathan Martinez, San Miguel Middle School
Jonathan Martinez is a Tulsa EnrichED Soccer Club leader at San Miguel Middle School.
Education/Background: Jonathan earned a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma before traveling to Honduras to serve as an International Volunteer in Physical Education and Health Instruction with Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos Honduras. Evacuated from Honduras due to COVID, Jonathan returned to the US and became a PE teacher at San Miguel where he has been for five years, transitioning from PE teacher to creating the position of Director of Graduate Support and Enrichment.
“What began as a soccer club, with help from teachers, parents, alumni and community partners has blossomed into 12 unique extracurricular activities with 90% of the student body involved in at least one activity.”
Kelsey Rooney-Dorst, Sistema Tulsa
Education Background: Kelsey holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Tulsa, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Leadership Studies from Oklahoma State University, and is a doctoral candidate for a Doctor of Musical Arts at Boston University (expected Spring 2026). With certifications in PK-12 Music, 6-12 Math, PK-12 English Language Learners, and 6-12 English, Kelsey has taught at Holland Hall since 2019 and previously spent seven years with Tulsa Public Schools. She is an Orff-Schulwerk trained teacher (Levels 1-3) and a former A+ Schools Fellow specializing in arts integration. Her training also includes Kodály and First Steps in Music certifications. She graduated from the American School of Dubai in 2008.
“My hope for Tulsa’s youth is that they are entering spaces for learning that have an emphasis on belonging, inclusion, and safety – and a reminder that the Arts are a fundamental part of our human existence.”
Audrey Stanton, Tulsa Zoo
Education Background: Audrey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science from Mississippi State University as well as a Master’s degree in Conservation Education. Audrey always knew she wanted to work with animals. Before working at the Tulsa Zoo as an Education Specialist, Audrey interned with the Fort Worth Zoo Education Department where she realized how much she loved educating.
“Inspiring the next generation of youth to care about wildlife and the environment is one of the main reasons I wanted to pursue this career, and the afterschool programs allow me to do just that!”