Mrs. Tabitha Stephens: teaches students both accounting and altruism
By Reagan Rozzi
Picture of Tabitha Stephens taken by Reagan Rozzi
A caring mother, insightful teacher and community philanthropist: Tabitha Stephens of Owasso High School is the epitome of an altruistic individual. With her vibrant outfits and even more vibrant personality, Stephens is difficult to miss as she dabbles between her various extracurriculars. Her outgoing nature heavily contributes to her teaching endeavors, where she demonstrates the qualities of a wholehearted and financially sound person to students.
Stephens has been teaching for a total of 25 years, with 18 years in Kansas and seven years (and counting) here. Stephens had originally taught English consecutively for six years at Owasso High School, then took one year off. However, when the opportunity to return to the high school had presented itself, she knew she had to take it.
“I really love students. I love being in the classroom. I hope that shows,” Stephens expressed.
Prior to her Owasso years, Stephens’s time in Kansas consisted of her teaching at an alternative school. This specific type of education grants students who originally had not graduated from high school to return and obtain their diplomas.
When asked about the similarities and differences between her alternative and her public school teaching experiences, as there surely are many, she laughed, “It’s completely different. You’re not comparing apples to apples.”
Now working in the latter environment, Stephens’s core class is Accounting I. She also organizes the Career Connections Program—partnering with Addison Sewell and Kara Whiddon. The program allows students to receive transcript credits by working a paying job during school hours. Stephens had never taught nor organized either subject before this school year, but her determination to teach these new subjects has eased the process.
Stephens smiled proudly, “I took the [Business Certification test] last November…and so I now have it on my teacher certificate that I’m fully certified.”
She believes it’s crucial for people to “step out of their comfort zone” and “push themselves” to reach their goals.
Stephens was able to follow her own advice and challenge herself to do something she hadn’t planned; she has now turned the theory-based subject of accounting into a practical, hands-on learning experience that builds relationships among classmates.
Encouraging teamwork and gratitude, Stephens will begin to implement “Monopoly Mondays” into her class schedule in just a few short weeks—students must finish their Personal Financial Literacy modules first. Mondays will involve the class breaking off into groups of two to four to play the board game for the hour’s entirety. In addition to these designated class periods, Stephens institutes student collaboration on other activities as well as daily assignments.
Stephens’ big heart is not confined to just her classroom. She is the sponsor of Film Club, which meets every Wednesday morning from 7:30-7:50, volunteers to participate in the Angel Tree program through OHS each Christmas and has recently been helping re-establish the school’s food and clothing pantry.
“I love to be involved with kids that are outside of the kids that I deal with every day,” Stephens shared.
Whether you’re a regular in her classroom or someone lucky enough to cross paths with her out of the blue, it is clear to all that Stephens has a heart made for community. Tabitha Stephens’ selfless attitude exemplifies the best of Owasso.