MY EO: Regan Killackey

Name: Regan Killackey, Edmond Memorial High School Teacher

How long have you been teaching?
 

This will be my 10th year teaching high school English. I’ve been
fortunate to teach at every level from 9th grade to AP English.

 

Did you always want to be a teacher?

My life would have taken a significantly different path if it were not for the
wisdom and guidance of a few. Teachers. Yes, I always wanted to be a teacher.

 

Who’s your favorite author and why?

This question is quite unfair to Edmond Outlook for they would have to run an
extra section to fully develop an adequate response. My colleagues would say
Joseph Conrad and Heart of Darkness because of his challenging word choice.
I would have to say F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby because of his explicit
warning concerning the dangers of materialism. I am also a big fan of Hemingway
and T.S. Eliot. The beautiful, pessimistic moderns.

 

What are you most passionate about?

What is an inspiration every year is navigating teenagers through difficult subject
matter and watching new talent, confidence and pride surface within my students.

 

Your favorite hobbies?

Most recently, I enjoy exploring a variety of old Oklahoma highways on my motorcycle.
From time to time I’ve been known to skateboard at our local skate parks.

 

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Oklahoma City, and I was raised in Edmond. I have been given a unique opportunity to teach at the high school I once attended. Let’s just say my former teachers were surprised at best.

 

When did you get your first tattoo?

The art of tattooing is connecting to identity. As outlandish as it may seem, people that get tattoos are doing so for the individual
to participate with their identity. Tattoos have always represented
the independence of the individual along with the independence
of social norms. I believe if Mark Twain lived during the twentieth
century, he would be tattooed from neck to knuckles.
 

What are your top three favorite tattoos?

1. An East Asian Oni mask
2. My children’s names
3. Piggy Wonka (Swine Week 2010) Go Dogs!

What do you hope to teach your students above all else?

I want my students to walk away from my class with an increased sense of kindness, a global perspective, a higher level of life dedication and sharper academic talent.