Long before flight simulators and AP Statistics filled his daily schedule, Larry Hesler discovered a simple truth: he enjoyed understanding how things worked, and helping others understand them too. That curiosity has turned into a 31-year career at Stillwater High School, where Hesler has become a cornerstone of both the mathematics department and the school’s growing aviation program.
At SHS, Hesler teaches AP Statistics and Advanced Algebra II, while also leading Aviation II, III, and IV in just the third year of the aviation program. In addition to teaching, he serves as the math department head and has spent years coaching baseball and golf at Stillwater, along with earlier coaching stops at Yale. His influence on campus stretches well beyond the classroom.
Hesler’s path to education began at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, where he found himself drawn to science and mathematics courses. Tutoring classmates and discussing concepts came naturally, and he quickly realized that mathematics was the foundation connecting many of the sciences. While job opportunities in mathematics often required relocation, Hesler knew Oklahoma felt like home, prompting his return after a brief year teaching in Texas.
Two professors at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Dr. Stanley Van Stenvoort and Dr. Jack Phelps, played a defining role in his development. Phelps, in particular, left a lasting impression through his teaching methods class. With only four students enrolled, Phelps challenged them to prepare lessons under both relaxed and high-pressure conditions, while simulating real classroom behaviors, from thoughtful questions to spitballs flying across the room. Hesler credits that experience as one of the most valuable lessons he’s ever had about teaching.
What continues to motivate Hesler is seeing students experience that “light bulb” moment, when a concept finally clicks. He also values the energy that comes from working with high school students and cherishes the rare opportunity he had to teach and coach his son, Aaron, now a pharmacist in Stillwater. At home, he shares life with his wife, Sherry, who works at OSU.
Hesler’s guiding philosophy is simple: never stop learning. He believes effective teaching requires blending new ideas with proven practices to keep education moving forward. Outside of school, he enjoys being outdoors, playing golf or tennis with his son, reading, and taking time to relax, recharging so he can continue inspiring the next generation.
