As school years come and go, each year proves to be unique, and this year at Marlow is no exception. 

With construction soon to be underway at Marlow Public Schools, the 2022-2023 academic year will prove to be very exciting, especially for the new teachers at Marlow High School (MHS). 

Although these teachers are considered new hires, many of them have already been a part of the school district and Marlow community.   

There are a total of six new educators who have joined the team at MHS, including the new superintendent Corey Holland.

The beginning of the year comes with not only new teachers but a new theme for the district:  RISE: Relationships Intentionally Seeking Excellence.  

MHS Principal Bryan Brantley is excited to welcome in new teachers and the district’s new theme.

“I feel we have hired some really good candidates,” stated Brantley. “We want every student to rise in school.” 

These new additions to the MHS faculty will play a big role in the lives of each student as they seek to RISE.

New staff members include Holland, Dr. Matt Ivory,  Gloria Conner, Brock Harris, Mathew Pitts, Rebekah Corser, and Bryan Pierce.

Many of the new hires have already been a part of Marlow’s great history in their own way and have decided to give back to the Marlow community by mentoring the students at MHS, including Superintendent Holland.

Holland graduated from Marlow and has served in many different academic positions for Marlow and other districts as well including coach, principal and assistant superintendent. 

He also served as a member of the state legislature.

“I feel that I’ll bring knowledge of the community that will help me and the school,” stated Holland. “The whole intention for the new theme RISE is for the benefit of the students.”

Another returning graduate of MHS is Dr. Matt Ivory.

Dr. Ivory has stayed actively involved with MHS as a track and cross country coach for several years.

Now, Dr. Ivory will add to his coaching duties by teaching biology.  

He will continue his medical career in the morning and then teach biology, track and cross country at MHS in the afternoon. 

Conner is another teacher returning to the MHS team.

She has taught Spanish and ASL for 23 years, and she has taught at Cameron University, Murphy State, Ardmore, Marlow and Elmore High School.

Having four years of prior experience at MHS, Conner has returned to motivate her students through teaching Spanish along with American Sign Language (ASL).

“I always challenge my students in class because I know they have more than they think,” stated Conner. “I am excited to teach them two different languages so they will learn about the different cultures.”

The other biology teacher helping the students at MHS RISE is new University of Central Oklahoma graduate Harris.

Harris, a MHS graduate, will not only have the opportunity to help students RISE as a teacher of biology but also as a football and basketball coach.  

“I feel like the theme, RISE, is very relevant because all teachers have an opportunity to impact students’ lives every single day,” stated Harris. “As a recent student, I understand the importance of teachers being intentional with their students’ lives and time by establishing trust.”

While not having the substantial history at MHS, new hires Pitts and Corser are just as eager and dedicated to bringing Marlow students exceptional educational opportunities. 

Pitts is the main director for the high school and middle school band with the help of Corser, who is the assistant director of the band.

Pitts attended college at the University Of Science and Arts where he was an Euphonium section leader and also Bass section leader in choir.

“I feel I will bring to Marlow not only a positive attitude but also an expertise that the Marlow Band Program has not had in some time,” stated Mr. Pitts.

Corser, who also attended USAO, received her instrumental degree.

Participating in percussion during her high school years, Corser will be of great benefit to the MHS percussion.

“Being able to focus on our percussionists is something I believe is invaluable and should be done,” stated Corser. “I am very excited to be able to help our drumline students reach new heights this year.”

Another brand new face to MHS is Pierce, the new Special Education director for not only MHS, but all schools at Marlow.

“We as teachers are here to teach but should also build relationships with others,” stated Pierce. “I think I can bring a good outside perspective that will benefit Marlow Schools in a positive way.”

Marlow has many changes in store this year, but with that will come many great opportunities.