Amber Walker, a 4th grade math teacher at Checotah Intermediate School (CIS), was recently named the District Teacher of the Year for Checotah Schools. From a young age, Walker knew she was destined to become a teacher. She fondly recalled imitating her beloved teachers during childhood play and finding joy in helping others as they learned. At 15, she began working at a local daycare, teaching a class of “Young Threes.” It was there that she discovered the importance of building positive relationships with parents, adapting lessons when things didn’t go as planned, and maintaining consistency and routines with young learners.
After graduating high school, Walker attended Northeastern State University, where she pursued her dream of becoming an educator.
In May 2006, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and in that same year she accepted her first public school teaching position at Bowlegs. Though she was nervous, she was also excited about leading her very own classroom.
After moving to Checotah in 2007, Walker began teaching 3rd grade at CIS where she continued until 2014. Then she taught from 2014-2017 at Warner Elementary before returning to her beloved Checotah schools in 2017 where she continues to teach today.
Over her 19-year career, she has taught 3rd grade self-contained, 3rd grade math, and for the past four years, 4th grade math.
Walker truly believes that every student should love and feel excited about learning, especially when it comes to math. This is why she models a love of learning while providing her students with tools and strategies to solve their problems independently. She also recognizes each child’s unique strengths. In her classroom she likes to emphasize respect, responsibility, and perseverance. These skills she believes are just as valuable as academics.
“I want my students to learn how to collaborate respectfully, communicate effectively, and persevere through challenges, both inside and outside of the classroom,” Walker shared. “Every child can grow when provided with the right support, encouragement and opportunities.”
Walker was previously recognized as the CIS Teacher of the Year in 2013–2014 and was also part of the 2022 CIS staff honored with the National Blue Ribbon School Award for student growth.
Besides being proud of her teaching accomplishments, Walker is also proud of her family, which includes her husband, Jake, and their two children who attend Checotah schools. Her son, Zane, is a freshman and her daughter, Zabrey, is in 4th grade.
Walker is honored to represent Checotah Public Schools as this year’s District Teacher of the Year as she continues to share her love for teaching with her students, colleagues and community.
