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Staff Spotlight: Erika Penuel

Stories & Spotlights
Erika Penuel teacher spotlight

Today we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Erika Penuel, a dedicated English teacher whose passion, experience, and positivity continue to enrich the ISOK community.

A Seasoned Educator With a Heart for Students

Erika is celebrating her 25th year in education, a remarkable milestone that reflects both commitment and a deep love for teaching. Over the years, she has made a lasting impact on countless students—and she continues to bring that same energy into her virtual classroom every day.

This school year also marks her 7th year at ISOK, where she teaches English and plays an integral role in helping students build confidence, strengthen their writing, and find their voices.

Family and Pets That Bring Joy

Erika is the proud mother of three grown children—two daughters and a son. Her son graduated from Insight School of Oklahoma just last year, making her connection to ISOK even more special.

Her home is also filled with furry companions who keep life lively and full of love:

  • Cats: Sunney, Oreo, and Leo
  • Dogs: Freya and Gracey

There’s never a dull moment with that crew!

A Love for Travel, Adventure, and the Sea

Travel holds a special place in Erika’s heart. Her family especially loves going on cruises, where she can be close to the ocean—her absolute happy place. She has also traveled through Europe, exploring countries filled with rich history and breathtaking architecture.

When she’s not traveling, Erika enjoys:

  • Reading mysteries and psychological thrillers
  • Watching Kansas City Chiefs football every week during the season
  • Eating Chinese and Mexican food
  • Surrounding herself with colors reminiscent of the ocean—her favorite palette

Why She Loves Working at ISOK

For Erika, ISOK feels like home because of the heart behind the mission:

“Every teacher that works at ISOK is in it for the outcomes. Every teacher genuinely loves their students and makes decisions in their classrooms that will benefit their students.”

Her appreciation for the ISOK community reflects the meaningful, student-centered environment we strive to create—and she embodies that mission every day.

Thank You, Erika!

Erika’s dedication, warmth, and love for both teaching and students shine brightly in all she does. We are grateful for her years of experience, her compassion, and the energy she brings to ISOK.

Thank you, Erika, for being an inspiring part of our school family!

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