Hi, I'm Rebecka Peterson,
and I'm a teacher.
I believe teachers stand with one foot firmly grounded in the reality of what is,
while the other stands in the hope of what can be.
My Story
Hello! I’m the 2023 National and Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. I’m also a high school math teacher who loves stories. I’ve been in education since 2010, and at Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, since 2012. I currently serve as Union Public Schools’ Teacher Leadership Specialist.
My body of work centers on highlighting stories of the good that is happening in education. I believe that when we learn each other’s stories, we carry a piece of each other with us. This helps us to authentically advocate for our students, teachers, and their communities. I would love to come share these stories with you!
I am a proud immigrant of Iranian-Swedish descent. When I’m not in classrooms, I enjoy taking walks, playing board games, and watching movies with my husband, Brett, and our son, Jonas.
Photo courtesy NEA
Watch Samples of My Work
Featured in
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I believe that
connection is how we heal.
As Mother Teresa said, “We belong to each other.” Whether I’m speaking to a large audience of policy makers in DC or a more intimate group of educators in rural Oklahoma, my message will always center our connections with students and their families. Creating belonging is not a classroom management technique; it is the foundation on which learning happens.
I’m excited to tailor these or other topics to you and your community.
Sample keynote topics
Fostering mathematical thinkers
Why I love being a teacher
Unity with our community
Sample workshop topics
Creating a connected classroom
Creating belonging for faculty and staff
Learning math through play
I’m passionate about encouraging educators in our good and important work.
Please fill out this short form for event requests.
I look forward to working with you!
Photo credit: Lily Chris Photography
I'd love to connect with you.
