Susie K McEachern-Lauer

I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and community building. Both of my parents were educators, school administrators, and I watched on a daily basis the way they mentored men, women, and children in education and life experiences. For more than three decades, beginning my career as an educator in 1991 and now serving as a health science education program specialist, I have been privileged to support and develop experienced industry professionals as they transition into effective, confident educators through our biannual new teacher academy. It has warmed my heart watching industry professionals fall in love with the educational process and become great partners in the building of our future workforce in Oklahoma and beyond. One of my most meaningful accomplishments is creating Camp McSusie Haha. A six-year initiative focused on fostering connection and community for women and children. As a business owner in art and design, I also value creativity as a tool for growth. Ultimately, my greatest reward is witnessing teachers come into their own, moving beyond survival to confident mastery by their third year in the classroom.

Love what you do and do what you love. Own your mistakes and learn from them. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Become a lifelong learner and improve through creativity, innovation, and hard work. Never leave a job until you have another job.

My advice to young women entering this field is to cultivate a growth mindset and not be afraid to take risks. Stay curious, remain open to learning, and trust your ability to grow into new challenges. Confidence and resilience are built through lived experience. If you face a problem, find an answer to propose, don't just make complaints. Always keep learning new things, trying different ways of doing things, and always be professional. As Michelle Obama says, "Go high".

The greatest challenge in my field is keeping industry instructors engaged in education. The lure of money and the absence of extra duties beyond the classroom doors make it difficult to keep teachers. With technology and the growth of Career and Technology Education, there are endless educational and learning possibilities for students, young and old, to make a living, support their families, and build a bright future for Oklahoma and beyond. We encourage innovation, creativity, and non-traditional career paths. Another forward-thinking opportunity in education is earning money as an apprentice while getting an education. I'm proud to have spent most of my career as an educator.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are growth, creativity, authenticity, and connection. I believe in continuous learning and finding potential where others may not yet see it—whether that’s in people, ideas, or even restoring something once considered “junk.” Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, camping, and traveling, which keep me grounded and curious about the world. My favorite hobby is restoring discarded items, as it reflects my belief in renewal, resilience, and the power of transformation. I believe in my core that everyone has value and needs to be heard. Listening is important, but hearing is key to understanding what makes people tick.