First grade teacher Kristyn Erickson eats, sleeps and breathes education.

"Maybe I need a life," she jokes when asked about her hobbies. It’s a testament to her unwavering dedication to her profession and her students.

Kristyn has been a teacher with Norman Public Schools for 12 years. Right now, she teaches at Truman Primary, pouring her heart and soul into shaping young minds. Lately, she's been working hard to complete her Certified Academic Language Therapist credential, specializing in dyslexia therapy. It's a journey that's close to her heart and one that amplifies her passion for education.

“I was not okay with kids coming through my classroom and saying, ‘Okay, 15 of you are truly ready for second grade and the other five, I don't know, but go on your way.’ I just wasn't okay with that. And so, that's kind of what started my journey to becoming a dyslexia therapist.

”Her dedication to teaching isn't just a job—it's a calling ingrained in her since childhood. Kristyn remembers playing school with her little brother, a hint of the educator she was destined to become. Her journey was also deeply influenced by Mrs. Battle, her second-grade teacher, whose warmth and encouragement left an unforgettable mark on her.

"Everything about her was what I needed at the time. She kind of scooped me up and basically said I was hers and I belonged and I was smart and I was going to do great things," Kristyn reminisces with a smile.

Years later, those moments with Mrs. Battle shaped Kristyn’s teaching philosophy. Her classroom is more than just a space for instruction—it's a sanctuary of learning and empathy.

"My favorite part of teaching...is teaching those kids that haven't had success reading yet," she expresses passionately. “You can tell they feel not-so-confident about themselves and their abilities. But once that confidence starts to kick in, their narrative changes. Teaching students like that is an absolute joy.”

For Kristyn, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is also important, and she stresses that this isn’t just about her students. Lifelong learning is critical for her as the teacher too.

"Lifelong learning is non-negotiable in my classroom," she affirms. “We are a room of learners. We're not a teacher and 20 learners. We are a room of learners.”

Beyond academics, Kristyn prioritizes building genuine connections with her students.

"I want to know about their grandma who might be sick or the game that they had over the weekend, what the tooth fairy brought them last night. I want to know all of those things because that is not lost instructional time. That does take time, but it pays dividends later on," she emphasizes. To her, these personal connections are the cornerstone of effective teaching.

Outside the classroom, Kristyn finds solace in her family—a pillar of support in her journey. Married to Shaun, a retired U.S. Air Force member, and blessed with four children who all attend NPS schools, her life is a delicate balance of love and commitment.

“They keep me very busy,” she laughs.

When Kristyn thinks about being a finalist for the Teacher of the Year award, she’s reminded of this quote: "The best thing about teaching is that it matters, and the hardest thing about teaching is that it matters every day."

Through her tireless efforts, she's transformed the lives of her students, instilling in them the confidence to conquer any challenge.

We are so grateful for your passion and dedication to our students. We find in you more than a teacher – you are a guiding light for generations to come. Thank you!