Estella Elizabeth Evans Hamilton
Estella Evans Hamilton is a dedicated educational leader and consultant with over 32 years of experience in the field of education. A proud graduate of Oral Roberts University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Oklahoma State University, Estella has spent her career empowering students and educators alike. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering academic excellence and personal growth through innovative educational practices.
For over 15 years, Estella served as an Assistant Principal at Union Public Schools in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, where she managed more than 1,100 ninth-grade students at a 6A high school. In this role, she implemented strategic academic wellness initiatives that focused on goal setting, action planning, and intrinsic motivation. Her leadership helped improve student engagement and graduation outcomes, culminating in a 99% matriculation rate among her students. Estella’s work in integrating academic empowerment with practical tools for success has left a lasting impact on her school community.
In 2024, Estella transitioned into her role as an Educational Consultant and founder of G-SAP Life (Goal Setting and Action Planning Life), a program designed to help students enhance their academic performance and self-efficacy. Through workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements—including a recent TED Talk—she continues to advocate for educational reform and holistic student development. Estella’s approach to education emphasizes intrinsic motivation, student-to-student support, and the importance of navigating the “hidden curriculum” to achieve lifelong learning success.
• Oklahoma State University - M.Ed.
What do you attribute your success to?
My success is deeply rooted in my unwavering belief in the learning capacity of every student, coupled with an understanding of their profound need for the science of hope, goals, pathways, and motivation. By fostering an environment where students feel empowered to dream big, I encourage them to set ambitious goals that ignite their passion for learning. Recognizing that each learner has unique pathways to success, I tailor my approach to meet their individual needs, providing the support and resources necessary to overcome obstacles. This commitment to nurturing their aspirations not only cultivates a sense of hope but also instills a deep motivation within them to persevere. Ultimately, it is this synergy of belief, support, and encouragement that has been pivotal in shaping my journey and the success of those I educate.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I've received is to maintain high expectations for my students, as they often rise to meet the standards set for them. This principle not only fosters a culture of ambition and resilience in the classroom, but it also empowers students to believe in their own potential. By challenging them with rigorous goals and offering unwavering support, I create an environment where they feel capable of achieving greatness. When students know that I believe in their abilities, they are more likely to push themselves and strive for excellence, ultimately leading to their success and personal growth. This approach has transformed my teaching philosophy, reinforcing the idea that our expectations can shape the trajectory of our students' futures.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I were to offer advice to young women entering my industry, I would emphasize the importance of “educating up.” It’s essential to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need for success as early as possible. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve seen firsthand how delayed access to critical information can limit students’ opportunities. By empowering others early on, we create a stronger foundation for growth, confidence, and long-term achievement.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Student apathy is quite the challenge in today’s educational landscape. Overcoming student apathy requires a strategic approach that emphasizes goal setting, action planning, and real-world relevance. By helping students set clear, achievable goals, educators can ignite a sense of purpose and motivation. Action planning becomes essential in this process, as it breaks down these goals into manageable steps, allowing students to visualize their progress and stay engaged. Furthermore, connecting academic content to real-world applications fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material, demonstrating its significance beyond the classroom. When students see how their efforts can lead to tangible outcomes in their lives and communities, they are more likely to invest in their education, transforming apathy into enthusiasm and active participation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life center around empowerment, self-discovery, and a deep passion for education. Along with G-SAP Life the goal setting, action planning process that enhances GPA, credit sufficiency, and impressive transcripts I am currently working on my initiative, C’est Moi. The C’est Moi initiative strives to help young women understand and define their own names and identities—encouraging them to embrace who they are and who they aspire to become. This program, which spans from 5th to 12th grade, is designed to nurture confidence, purpose, and self-awareness during those critical formative years. My educational philosophy was shaped by a teacher who inspired me to always strive to be both the “number one” teacher and the “number one” student—a mindset of continual learning and excellence. I also draw inspiration from Linda Creed’s lyrics for “The Greatest Love,” which reminds me that the greatest strength comes from learning to love and teaching students to believe in themselves. For young women considering a career in education, I would say: pursue it with passion. Teaching is not just about delivering lessons—it’s about making a meaningful difference in students’ lives, helping them see their own potential, and inspiring them to reach beyond what they thought possible.