Shirlanna Harbin is an eighth-year educator from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and proud teacher at the Academy of Okmulgee. A second-generation teacher, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and will complete her master’s in education from Oklahoma State University this spring. Passionate about building community and creating a strong sense of belonging in her classroom, Shirlanna is deeply committed to her students and hometown. She is also a proud wife and mom of four.
Dear Teachers, As we settle into the new school year, my heart is full of excitement and hope. One of the most important goals I have, something I carry with me from my years in elementary classrooms, is to create a deep, lasting sense of belonging...