At the Clinton at Elk City football game, Clinton Principal Michelle Sorter was presented a check for Science and Math education for Clinton High School by the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas. OERB’s Nick Archer was also in attendance for the presentation.

This support will be benefiting Clinton STEM programs and teachers. Michael Knabe is one of the staff members benefiting from the donation.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your hobbies, your passions.

So a little bit about my self; I am a new father, and I celebrate my 7th year of marriage next month with my wife Sera. I enjoy football, fishing, shooting, and anything that gets me outdoors and in nature. I’ve also recently taken up photography. 

What classes do/did you teach?

I teach physical  science and biology at Clinton High School. I earned a bachelor’s of science in environmental and organismal biology from SWOSU. Several things led me to the career of teaching. I have several family members in the field. 

Where did you go to college and what led you into teaching/who mentored you into the educator you are today?

I am also passionate about serving my community. I joined the Marines at 19 and was proud to serve my country. Teaching allows me to serve my community on a more personal level. I also like feeling part of something bigger than myself as kids are our future. 

What do you love about teaching?

I am very lucky to have had mentors like my mother, who has been in education for most of my life. I also had a great mentor in the Marines, Sgt. Molina, who taught me what it meant to be a leader. While at SWOSU, Dr. Aracena gave me an opportunity to be a teaching assistant, which is where I first discovered I liked teaching. I also had Dr. Cothran who was a great classroom professor and showed me what a great teacher can be. I love the mentorship aspect of teaching. 

What is great about your current school?

Being a new teacher CHS has been amazing. They are very supportive and have provided me with the tools to be successful. I graduated from CHS, so this has felt like coming home in a lot of ways. 

The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas are committed to supporting STEM education. Why is teaching Science and Math so important?

I think teaching science is so important because science is how we explain and understand the world around us. Science also teaches valuable skills like critical thinking and reasoning. 

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