Myles Simpson, choir teacher at Alcott Middle School, has always felt a deep connection with music, even from his earliest days growing up in small towns in Texas and Oklahoma. It was there that he first discovered the power of song, thanks to the encouragement of a teacher.

“There was a music teacher when I was in second grade that said, ‘This kid's a good singer,’” he remembers.

In college at the University of Central Oklahoma, he initially pursued a degree in vocal performance, dreaming of a career as an opera singer. A professor encouraged him to consider teaching.

“She convinced me to go back to school and get my master's degree in music education. I spent some time observing some teachers and teaching some private students. And I just fell in love with it. The fulfillment that I was missing as a performer, I found as a teacher.”

Recognizing many teachers’ influence in getting him where he is today, Myles is determined to pay it forward and become a source of encouragement and inspiration for his own students.

“My favorite part of my job is seeing kids discover who they are, learn to express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin and grow and develop as a singer and as a performer and a person,” he says.

In 2020, Myles found his home at Norman Public Schools, drawn in by the camaraderie of fellow educators and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of middle school students. 

“I went into music education because music education saved my life as a young, weird, artsy kid. I want to give that gift back to my students, and I can do that by teaching them to sing and express themselves.”

At Alcott Middle School, Myles pours his heart and soul into his role as a choir teacher, creating a nurturing environment where students can explore their passions and express themselves through song. His teaching philosophy is simple yet profound: lead with love. 

“My classroom is a safe space for all students, and through music I strive to have a place that is a community of all different types of people. Through music we can learn and grow together, and we create happy memories.”

For Myles, being named a finalist for Teacher of the Year is an unexpected honor, but one that affirms the love and dedication he pours into his work. 

“For me to be chosen among my peers is humbling, and I feel unworthy to hold this title because of the great people who I teach with every single day,” Myles admits. 

The true reward for him is seeing his students flourish, but it’s more than just music to Myles. He knows that he’s shaping young minds in an important way.

“Instilling life skills into our students is the number one priority of my job,” he says. “They can learn music along the way, but teaching them how to be good humans is my number one goal.”

How does Myles do that? He works those life lessons into a song! He’s currently working with students on a song called, “Does the World Say.” The lyrics are particularly meaningful to Myles, and he hopes his students also feel a connection to the song.

Lyrics to “Does the World Say”

Does the world say that you don't look the right way?
Does the world say that you're just not enough?
Does the world say that this isn't the right spot when it wants you there but not here and tells you all the things you are not?

I've been there too. It's hard to shut my ears to the noise. I don't stand a chance if it's me in this world all alone. The chatter is deafening, too overwhelming, hard to find my way home. So, take my hand, don't let go.

Myles admits that it takes a special person to be a middle school teacher, and we’re so glad that you’ve found the perfect fit at Norman Public Schools. We’re immensely proud of the work you do each and every day with our students. Thank you!