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Patti Berkley, first
grade teacher at Oologah Elementary school and American Star of Teaching Award winner, conducts a lesson with her class.

OOLOGAH, OKLAHOMA - Patti Berkley, a first-grade teacher at Oologah Lower Elementary recently received an award from the United States Department of Education for her outstanding work with elementary students.

A representative with the United States Department of Education, presented Berkley, a Cherokee Nation tribal citizen, with the American Star of Teaching Award at a surprise assembly at her school. The United States Department of Education awards only one teacher from each state with the American Star of Teaching award.

"My principal said to dress up for an assembly in our gym, that something big was going to happen," Berkley said. "I told her, it better be big because I don't like to dress up, but I think it was worth it."

"I was shocked," Berkley said. "There are so many great teachers. I couldn't believe they chose me."

The Oologah Lower Elementary principal nominated Berkley for her creativeness in teaching reading and phonics to elementary students.

"In first grade, your big job is teaching them to read," Berkley said. "You have to convince them that they can read. It's really rewarding to see their face light up when they read their first sentence."

Berkley always knew she would become a teacher and follow in her mother's footsteps.

"My mom's a teacher," Berkley said. "She taught third grade and always drug me to her classroom. She really encouraged me to become a teacher."

"She's a great teacher," said Gina Metcalf, Oologah Lower Elementary School principal. "Mrs. Berkley is an outstanding educator dedicated to meeting the needs of students. She works well with other teachers and parents."

Berkley is a graduate of Oologah High School and Northeastern State University. She lives in Talala and is the mother of three children.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org