Almost everyone has had at least one educator that has had an impact on their life. Whether it was in elementary school, college, or somewhere in between, the influence that they have on your life can be long lasting. Julie Funkhouser is a teacher at Ponca City High School and she says that there was one special teacher that was very influential in her life and her decision to become an educator.
“My mom is the reason I am a teacher,” she said. “She is completing her thirtieth year in education. The majority of her teaching career has been teaching multimedia to high school and career tech students. I grew up watching and learning valuable lessons from her, both at home and in the classroom. I have special memories from her including me and my sisters in her summer preparations or being in her office after school.”
Julie is in her second year of teaching, both being at Ponca City High School. She teaches Desktop Publishing & Graphic Design.
There have been many pieces of advice that have been given to Julie over the years. But she has one that has been very important.
“Be patient,” she said. “I was told the first couple of years would be a learning curve so to be patient with myself, processes, and developing connections. I have a great mentor teacher, Heather Monks, department teachers, and many other staff members that have helped me tremendously stepping in at PCHS.”
When she is not in the classroom teaching, Julie loves to spend time with her family. She and her husband, Flint, are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. They have two daughters, Sheridan and Saige, and one son, Dace. They also have a golden retriever named Moose.
“My family is very active,” she said. “We love to spend time outside walking our dog or playing at parks. We also enjoy serving with our church, attending sporting events, cheering for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, or hanging out at home playing board games or watching movies.”
