Yvonne Rossiter
Yvonne Rossiter is a dedicated Early Childhood Education Specialist currently serving at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. With a strong passion for fostering young learners’ growth, she brings extensive experience in early childhood and elementary education, ensuring that educational programs are both developmentally appropriate and engaging. Her current role allows her to shape policies and initiatives that positively impact children across the state of Oklahoma.
Before joining the Department of Education, Yvonne spent over a decade in the classroom, teaching first grade at Putnam City Schools and kindergarten at The Goddard School. Her hands-on experience as an educator has given her deep insights into the developmental needs of young children and the best practices for promoting literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth. Alongside her teaching career, she has also served as a Wellness Consultant with doTERRA, demonstrating her commitment to holistic well-being and community engagement.
Yvonne holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and completed her early childhood education studies at Oklahoma State University. Known for her collaborative spirit and innovative approach to learning, she is recognized by colleagues and peers as a trusted leader in early childhood education. Outside of her professional work, Yvonne enjoys exploring new strategies for educational development and advocating for quality learning experiences for all children.
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University - M.Ed.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong passion for supporting and empowering children. Over the past 16 years, my journey as an educator has grown from the classroom to a pivotal role at the State Department, where I now design professional development initiatives that support educators, families, and entire districts in nurturing our youngest learners, from birth through age eight. What drives me most is witnessing those transformative “lightbulb moments” when a child realizes, “I can do this!” These moments, rather than any single award, remain my most treasured achievements. I am committed to continuous learning, regularly engaging with the latest research to inform my practice and bring fresh, evidence-based ideas into my work. I strongly believe in the power of play as the fundamental work of children and take great joy in equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to harness it effectively. Beyond my professional role, I remain deeply connected to my community through volunteer work with the Boy Scouts and other local initiatives, continuing to nurture my lifelong commitment to helping children thrive.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is simple but powerful: remember what it felt like to learn as a child—exploring, discovering, and being curious without the distraction of electronic devices. Keeping that sense of wonder and curiosity alive will guide you in making a meaningful impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in early childhood education today is ensuring that all educators have access to the latest research and effective strategies to support young learners. At the same time, this presents an incredible opportunity: by staying informed and continually learning, we can transform classrooms and communities. I make it a point to stay current by reading journals and research in early childhood education, which fuels my practice and helps me bring innovative ideas to the educators I support.