Cheryl Puryear
Assistant Principal (Grades K-8)
Master of Science, Special Education Teaching, Pittsburg State University; Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education and Special Education, University of Maine
Cheryl Puryear is the assistant principal for elementary and middle school at Oklahoma Connections Academy. She began her teaching career in 1982.
Why I Became an Educator
When I was in high school, I had to do a project for my Psychology class. I have a brother with significant special needs who at the time was living in a residential facility. For my project, I attended one of his Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings on-site with my parents. I was so impressed with the people sitting around the table. They knew things about my brother that I didn't know. They appreciated him for who he was and not what he couldn't do. I thought, “I want to work with people like this!” So, I changed my career path to special education.
The Online School Experience at Oklahoma Connections Academy
I love the team of people I’m able to work with. Our school community is special because we find all kinds of creative ways to interact with each other. We don't want people to feel isolated, including Learning Coaches, students, and staff! We have found we can know each other and learn about each other without being face-to-face every day.
The teachers at Oklahoma Connections Academy are top-notch and are committed to helping students in the virtual environment. Students learn to be problem solvers, how to budget their time, and how to work independently. I love helping families be successful and I enjoy the time I get to spend with students and families one-on-one. I also love the way we have so much information at our fingertips! It's so valuable when helping families navigate the system.
The teachers at Oklahoma Connections Academy are top-notch and are committed to helping students in the virtual environment. Students learn to be problem solvers and how to budget time and work independently.
— Ms. Puryear
Message for Families Considering Online School
Choosing a virtual school is a big responsibility. It can be time-consuming, especially at first when helping your child establish routines, but it can be so rewarding to be such an integral part of your student's education.
Hobbies and Interests
I am married to a great cook, which is wonderful because I hate cooking! I have two children and an amazing grandson. I love traveling, spending time with family and my cats! I like to read, do word puzzles, and geocache.