Sandra Warren’s classroom is a place where students can create, express themselves, and discover the joy that comes from working together toward something meaningful.

Now in her 10th year with Weatherford Public Schools, Warren teaches middle school and high school choir, along with middle school humanities. Her work reaches students at both Weatherford Middle School and Weatherford High School, where she brings a lifelong love of music into the classroom each day.

Before coming to Weatherford, Warren taught at Minco Public Schools and Council Grove Elementary in the Western Heights School District. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to giving students the kind of welcoming, creative environment that first drew her toward education.

“I decided when I was in 5th grade that I wanted music to be a major part of my life. I loved that band and choir were places for me to be creative, expressive, and accepted. I wanted to be able to provide others with that same space. I wanted to be able to share the joy of perfecting a piece and doing beautiful things with it. I knew that the classroom would be a great opportunity for that.”

For Warren, music education is about more than preparing for a concert or learning the technical details of a piece. It is an opportunity for students to build confidence, embrace challenges, and experience the rewards of persistence.

“I love the students. I love watching their determination and triumphs. I’m glad to be there to encourage them through the challenges. Giving extra of myself outside of the classroom with additional rehearsals, clinics, and honor choirs is worth seeing them thrive.”

Warren also credits an influential teacher from her own college years with helping shape her path. Joyce Adams-Curtis, Warren’s college music adviser, choral director, and private voice teacher, became an important source of support during a formative time in her life.

“Joyce Adams-Curtis was my college music advisor, choral director, and private voice teacher. She helped get me through college and develop my love of music. She was always there for me, and I viewed her as a second mom.”

That example continues to influence Warren’s work with her own students. She understands the impact a teacher can have by offering encouragement, consistency, and belief in a student’s potential.

The best advice she has received about teaching remains simple but powerful: “Find the joy in it, and hold onto it with both hands.”

Outside the classroom, Warren enjoys reading, baking and tending to her flowers. Whether she is preparing students for a performance, supporting them through a difficult rehearsal, or spending time in her garden, Warren remains guided by a love for creativity, growth, and helping others thrive.