For Janissa (Schilde) Swart, teaching is more than a profession. It is a calling rooted in a love for learning, a passion for science, and a dedication to preparing students for the future. Her journey, now spanning three decades, reflects a remarkable balance of classroom teaching, coaching, and educational leadership across Oklahoma and Texas.
Janissa earned her high school diploma from Dover High School in Dover, Oklahoma, in May 1990. She continued her education at Clarendon Junior College in Clarendon, Texas, earning her Associate of Science degree in 1992. From there, she attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science and minors in Biology and Education, along with an Athletic Coaching Endorsement. Her commitment to education grew even stronger when she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) from Southern Nazarene University in 2015, later serving as an adjunct professor there to help prepare the next generation of school leaders.
Over the years, Jan has held nearly every role in education, from science teacher and coach to principal, adjunct professor, and district coordinator. Her teaching career began in 1995 at Memphis High School in Texas, where she taught Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics. From there, she moved through numerous schools, teaching everything from Chemistry and Anatomy to AP Biology, STEM, and Forensics, while also coaching basketball, softball, track, and cross-country teams.
Her leadership experience includes serving as Assistant Principal at Union City Schools, Principal at Aline-Cleo Schools, and an Administrative Intern at Ringwood High School. In these roles, she led schools, managed technology initiatives, directed Gifted and Talented programs, coordinated Title IX compliance, administered testing, and supported teachers and students alike.
Despite many administrative responsibilities, Jan always returned to her first love, teaching science. Currently at Kingfisher Public Schools District, she teaches Anatomy, Biology, AP Biology, STEM, Forensics, and Zoology, inspiring students every day with her enthusiasm and expertise. Her dedication was recognized when she was named Kingfisher High School Teacher of the Year and Kingfisher Public Schools District Teacher of the Year for the 2024–2025 school year.
Outside the classroom, Jan is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her husband, Aaron, works at Lomega Schools as a PE teacher and baseball coach. Together, they share three children, Cole, Macy, and Mady, and two young granddaughters, Logan and Whitley. She loves traveling with her husband and cherishes time spent with her family.
When asked about her favorite subjects to teach, Jan always mentions Anatomy, Biology, and Chemistry. But beyond content, her true passion lies in preparing students for whatever comes next, whether it is college, a trade school, or the workforce. After 30 years in education, Janissa Swart’s legacy is one of dedication, growth, and an unwavering belief in the power of learning.
