About Mrs. Foughty  

        I was raised in Newcastle and graduated from Newcastle High School (a few years ago). My awesome husband and I have been married 29 years and have two wonderful children, Brittani and Connor. Our family also includes an adorable Miniature Schnauzer, Lucy, and a frisky Great Dane, Misty. 

 Check out my blinkies to learn even more about me!

 Education                                                                                

        High School—Newcastle High School

        College—Oklahoma State University (GO POKES!)

                     Degree in Elementary Education

                     28 hours in graduate courses towards master’s in reading/literacy

 Experience

         Began teaching career in 1990

         Currently teach 7th grade English

         Have taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th grade English/Reading

                           1st-3rd grade music

                            Reading lab

                            Vocational School—ESL, GED, & Remediation Programs        

         1996 to 2012 Newcastle Public Schools Professional Development Coordinator

Awards/Achievements         

        Oklahoma Writing Project Consultant 2016

        Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Finalist 2010-2011

        Governor's Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to Public School 2010 

        Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Teacher of Today 2010                                                                        

        National Board Certified Teacher 

        Newcastle Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2009-2010

        Newcastle Middle School Teacher of the Year 2009-2010

        Newcastle Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2005-2006

        Newcastle Elementary Teacher of the Year 2005-2006

        Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Teacher of Today 2006

        Oklahoma City Public Schools Outstanding Entry-Level Teacher of the Year 1990-1991

        Dunbar Elementary Teacher of the Year 1990-1991

        Metro-Tech Vocational Schools Outstanding Employee 1998

        Who’s Who Among Educators 2005 & 2006

        NEF Grant Recipient 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, & 2008

Professional Affiliations

       International Reading Association

       Oklahoma Reading Association

       Phi Delta Kappa International

        I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations it is my response that decides whether or not a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or dehumanized. I am part of a team of educators creating a safe, caring, and positive learning environment for students and teaching them in a manner that ensures success because all individuals are capable of learning.

By Dr. Haim Ginott (1993)