Heather Sparks has been teaching eighth-grade mathematics in Taft Middle School in Oklahoma City, OK, for two years. She began teaching in 1993 at the Wheeler Community Learning Center. A National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist, she holds certifications in intermediate mathematics, elementary education, and early childhood education. Ms. Sparks currently teaches pre-algebra and algebra.
Ms. Sparks makes students and their academic and personal achievement her number one focus. An outstanding mathematics educator, she often tutors students after school and on weekends. She uses her excellent skills as an academic diagnostician to fine-tune instruction that will meet the individual needs of each of her students. She has developed an innovative middle school mathematics curriculum that is interesting and relevant to her students and has published her materials and strategies on her Web site for students and teachers.
Colleagues consider her a real asset to the school. She is credited with having endless energy and being a resource for many teachers. Her reach extends far beyond her own classroom. She wants all communities, schools, teachers, and students to have the best educational experience possible.
Ms. Sparks has facilitated more than 110 workshops at the local, State, and national levels on hands-on learning, continuous improvement, writing across the curriculum, teaching with technology, and supporting second language learners.
Ms. Sparks has a B.S. in early childhood education (cum laude) and a Master of Elementary Education from Oklahoma City University.