Her Story
About Whitney
I've been an educator for 20 years, working as a reading interventionist and ESL coordinator at Gruver Elementary School, which is a National Blue Ribbon Elementary School recipient three or four times. I love reading intervention and teaching kids that struggle learning how to read. As a single mom of two boys who are both dyslexic, I have to teach struggling learners all day, and then I myself am the mother of two struggling learners. It's exhausting, but I really think that has given me compassion of what it's like to teach kids that struggle with learning, and then also have a relationship with their parents from coming in the shoes of, I've walked a mile in your shoes too. I can give parents confidence and console them a little bit. My family is fourth-generation ranchers, and we raise registered Black Angus cattle, producing certified Black Angus beef that is mostly prime. Both of these careers are very dear to my heart. I've been involved with a program called Reading Recovery that focuses on early intervention and reading difficulties. What I make as a 20-year veteran in education compared to other industries is really a blow, but boy, I see good at the end of the day.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Whitney
01What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would rather be a voice for struggling students, the teaching industry, and ranching. I think teachers definitely need a voice, and struggling students need a voice as well. We pour so much into our career. Personal recognition doesn't really mean a lot to me. My book is about my faith as a Christian woman, training horses, and teaching kids to read. When you get a colt that's not halter broke, it's like teaching them their ABCs and giving them spirit. My personal journey of faith is intertwined through starting a young horse and working on my family's cattle ranch. My favorite thing is hunting elk sheds in Ute Creek on our ranch - that's like my worship when I get to look at all the beautiful beauty around me.
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