Stephanie Farrell’s passion for teaching began early. A Kingfisher native and 1996 graduate of Kingfisher High School, Stephanie pursued her dream by earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2000 while nine months pregnant with her first child.
Her teaching career started at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, where she taught 5th and 6th grade combined for three years. After two years teaching in Piedmont, Stephanie returned home to Kingfisher where she now teaches 2nd grade at Heritage Elementary. Over 24 years, she has taught a range of grades from 2nd through 6th and has been twice named Gilmour Teacher of the Year in 2012–2013 and 2018–2019. Her favorite subject is reading, where she loves watching students discover the joy of learning.
Stephanie’s motivation to teach comes from personal experience. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life,” she says. “When I was in elementary school, my parents divorced and it turned my world upside down. My teachers were so loving and supportive. They saw value in me and helped me through that difficult time. That’s why I wanted to be a teacher: to be that support for other kids.”
She’s married to her high school sweetheart, Scott Farrell, class of 1993. The two were married in 1998. Scott works for Benchmark Services installing water meters. Together, they have three children: Madison, 25; Mia, 22; and Christian, 18, a recent graduate of Kingfisher High School.
The Farrell family has spent the last 21 seasons cheering on their kids in softball and baseball. “We spend a lot of our free time chasing our kids around,” Stephanie laughs. The family is deeply involved in their faith community, with Stephanie and Scott serving as children’s pastors at Limitless Church and their daughter Mia as youth pastor.
“We’re OSU people,” Stephanie shares proudly. “My family loves Marvel movies, but I find Star Wars torturous.” She also loves the beach, BBC murder mysteries, and has a strong dislike for bologna.
Stephanie’s faith is her anchor. She holds tightly to this truth: “God’s word is true. He uses all things for our good and His glory.” Her favorite scripture is Deuteronomy 14:2, “You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and He has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be His own special treasure.”
“Some of my favorite things about being a teacher are the good morning high fives and end-of-day hugs,” she says. “It’s watching students’ faces light up when they finally get it. It’s students fighting to pass out Clorox wipes or sweep the floor because they’re learning to serve others. It’s hearing them celebrate their classmates’ successes or comfort a friend with a broken heart. It’s knowing they’re united and plotting a practical joke on me. It’s former students stopping by every morning to say hi. It’s hearing them laugh because someone called me mom or grandma.
“My favorite part is building connections with students and their families and working alongside talented people who love teaching. There’s truly no better job. I love being a teacher.”
With deep roots in Kingfisher, a heart dedicated to her students, and faith guiding every step, Stephanie Farrell continues to shape lives, one story, one student, and one school year at a time.
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Stephanie with her husband Scott.
Cutline of group photo:
Madison’s boyfriend Tim, Madison, Stephanie, Scott, Mia, and Christian.
