Oklahoma City Teen Embarks on College Journey to Become a Teacher

  • When Fredy Lopez was a senior at Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City each morning he accompanied his little sister to her school drop-off line, ensuring she stayed warm and safe, often resulting in his late arrival to his first hour of class. Then after attending classes all day, he would go to his full-time job supervising the custodial crew at a local university in the evenings.

    Even with all of his responsibilities he excelled in and outside the classroom, becoming a member of the National Honor Society and serving as student council president. For three years he served on the Oklahoma City Public
    Schools Student Leadership Council (SLC), composed of student representatives who met monthly with Oklahoma City Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel.

    Lopez made such an impression that he was selected by his SLC peers as the district’s first ever Teen Superintendent.  In this position, he served as a guest speaker at district events, such as the “State of OKCPS” gathering featuring local lawmakers and the Teacher of the Year celebration. 

    It was Lopez’s experience on the superintendent’s Advisory Council that made him realize he wanted a career in education. But because of financial circumstances, Lopez planned to work after high school to help support his family. Those plans changed when he learned about the district’s Teacher Pipeline Program for high school students. Graduating seniors can apply to be part of the pipeline and work as a paraprofessional in a district school while they attend college to obtain a bachelor's degree in education. Upon successful completion, these paraprofessionals become full-time teachers in the Oklahoma City school system.

    Lopez applied and received admission into the program. In the fall, the 2024 graduating senior will bring his passion for education and the community to  Roosevelt Middle School as a bilingual paraprofessional, while also attending Oklahoma City Community College. His goal is not only to support students academically but to ensure that Spanish-speaking families are informed and engaged in their children’s school experiences.

    After he completes his studies at community college, he plans to transfer to the University of Central Oklahoma to complete his four-year degree and eventually pursue his dream to become a superintendent.