Sandra May was born and raised in Ponca City and was a graduate of Ponca City Senior High.

May began her journey towards becoming a teacher as a small child playing school at her grandparent’s house.

“I loved using my own school papers and pretending I had the best students who always listened,” said May. “I would later learn that this may not always be the case, but I still feel blessed and honored to help my students become their best.”

May received her associate degree from NOC in Tonkawa and her Bachelor’s Degree from UCO in Edmond. She went on to get her teaching licensure from Notre Dame College in Ohio.

After living in Ohio for 14 years, May returned to Ponca City where she did her student teaching in Pre-K classroom at Union Elementary under the supervision of Mrs. Dye. After graduating, she was offered a position at Union Elementary. She taught second grad and grew to love the staff and students at Union.

“Ponca City Schools have invested so much in helping me learn and grow as a teacher,” said May. “I have been blessed to work with so many wonderful, supportive educators along the way.”

After moving away for a few years, May returned to Ponca City and was welcomed with open arms.

“I have always contributed my success as an educator to the Ponca City School system and my years here because of their belief and desire to continually invest in and train their educators,” said May.

When returning to Ponca City, She received the news that a position was open at Union Elementary with many of the colleagues and friends that she had began her journey with.

“I know that as an educator I feel supported and have grown in my knowledge because of the opportunities that Ponca City Schools have offered and provided for me as an educator,” said May. “In turn my goal is to pass that on to my students, by being supportive and providing a safe environment where they can thrive and grow in their abilities and knowledge, in order to become more and more independent as they grow into a wonderful reader.”