As each of us look back on our journey, in most cases, there is at least one teacher that helped shape and guide us into the person we are today. Whether it was elementary school, college, or somewhere in between, the influence that they had on us was big. Leslie Waldrop has a few educators that fit that bill.

“I had several teachers throughout my education that made an impact,” she said. “I will always remember Mrs. Hale as my kindergarten teacher for being the most loving and caring teacher. I also had a few science teachers, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson number two, for sharing their love of science with me. My college professors, Mrs. Ball and Dr. Wolgamott, for continuing to develop a passion for science, healthcare, and learning.”

Waldrop teaches Honors Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology at Weatherford High School. She is in her fourth year at Weatherford. Leslie also worked in the medical field before becoming a teacher.
“I was a Radiation Therapist for 12 years at Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medical Center prior to deciding to teach,” she said. “At SCC, I had college students completing their clinical rotations and was able to share my love for learning by teaching them in the clinic.”

Helping prepare the next generation is one thing that Waldrop loves about being a teacher.
“Life changes allowed me to pursue becoming an educator,” she said. “I wanted students to fall in love with science and develop a passion for pursuing higher education and an occupation that involved science or a health-related field. The thing I enjoy is when students have an “Aha!’ moment. When learning and education meet real-world scenarios I feel as if I have done my job. When students come to me and let me know that they have chosen a degree path or a career because of my class it is icing on the cake.”

Leslie has been married to her husband, Ryan, for 16 years. They have three kids; Olivia Joy, Ryker Don, and Knoxlie Pearl.