Rachel Rudek | Charter Oak Elementary

Tell the world your name.

Rachel Rudek

Where do you teach?

Charter Oak Elementary

How long have you been teaching?

I’m starting my third year!

What grade do you teach?

2nd grade- the best grade!

What's your favorite school supply?

My favorite one for the kiddos is dry erase markers. For me, I love colored pens and sticky notes! Can never have enough!

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

I was very blessed to have several amazing teachers growing up in Yukon, OK! Shout out to my Millers! The thing I remember most about these teachers is that they made class fun and interactive, and they truly cared about us in and out of the classroom and we knew it, and it was evident that they enjoyed teaching.

Mrs. Roe- 5th grade
Mr. Hein- 7th grade earth science
Mrs. Porch- high school art
Mrs. Baker- high school english
Mr. Cook- high school english
Mr. Marchino- high school anatomy
Mr. Hiatt- high school psychology
Dr. Atkins- college professor

What is your super power to be able to rock out the work you do?

I do the work that I do for my kiddos at school! It’s truly all for them, so staying focused on serving them well is my super power.

What made you want to teach?

I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. I’m a people person so I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and learning about them. So teaching allows me the great opportunity to combine my professional knowledge doing something I love- being with kids!

What gets you up everyday to go give your all to teaching?

All I’ve ever wanted to do is make a difference. So knowing the Lord has called me to do this work and that I can positively impact my students each day is what keeps me going!

If you could change one thing about education, what would you change?: 

I would change the state of Oklahoma’s education system. Our kids deserve and and need the absolute best! They need passionate, qualified teachers. They need more resources and opportunities.

Teachers are...

Loving, sacrificial, brave.... THE BEST!!

What is one tip you would share to be a successful teacher?

Keep your students as the focus, always do what’s best for them. The rest all falls into place.

What would you do if you were not teaching?

I’m also passionate about adoption, so I think I would like to work at a fostering/adoption agency serving kids and families in that capacity.

The last time you cried at the end of the day teaching was because of what?

Because a student had been taken into DHS custody and I was heartbroken for them.

Who inspires you in your work and why?

I have lots of teacher friends and amazing co-workers. They all inspire me!

How would you describe a conversation with one of your students?

Sweet, sassy, and funny- they ALWAYS keep me laughing!

What is it that the world does not know about teachers?

We can never turn our teacher brains off! It's truly a 24/7/365 job! We are constantly thinking about our students, prepping, re-arranging and re-working things, etc.

Share your biggest joy teaching as of today?

I absolutely LOVE seeing my kiddos’ faces light up when they understand a concept for the first time, or finally perfect something they’ve been working on. It never gets old and makes me tear up with pride every time!

One thing that makes you smile?

Lots of things! My husband and newborn daughter, kids, puppies, witnessing kindness, the awesome community of Guthrie, coffee... haha!