Traci Manuel dedicates countless hours and a lot of heart to creating and presenting interesting content that will engage and inspire young minds in the learning process. If you’re wondering why she does this, it’s because of the career she has chosen. Manuel is a Tenth Grade English II Teacher at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa Public Schools (TPS). Her incredible heart for teaching and inspiring has caught the attention of many (including me – she taught my son!)  and recently, she was nominated among twelve teachers across the state for 2023 Teacher of the Year. In addition to the ever-high demands and long hours, the pay is low. So, why does Manuel teach? You’ll find out about that and so much more, including her advice for those considering a career in teaching.