For Jessie Chancellor, teaching has never been just a job. It’s a chance to make a lasting impact in a child’s life. After a year of training in Northeast Tech Pryor’s Teacher Prep program, she is now putting that belief into practice as a teacher at the new Cherokee Nation Child Development Center near MidAmerica Industrial Park.
“It really makes me feel good that I am making a difference with children at this age because I still remember some of my teachers from when I was in kindergarten,” Chancellor said. “It’s most important to make a difference at the age they are now, because that's when they start to develop their emotions, character and personality.”
Chancellor assists her classroom lead teacher with a small group of children, making sure they eat breakfast each morning before guiding them through carpet time with songs and reading. Playtime and lunch follow, after which they also learn foundational basics including colors, numbers and animals.
The classroom is just one of 13 at the new 38,000-square-foot CN facility, which opened July 31, 2025, through a partnership with the MidAmerica Industrial Park.
It has the capacity to serve up to 130 children and employs more than 50 staff members, including Chancellor.
“My friend got hired here. I came and toured and loved it,” Chancellor said. “One reason I absolutely love this job is no matter how your day is going, early in the morning walking into the doors, and all the kids just smiling and giving you a hug and just being so happy to see you, that really just changes your whole day.”
Chancellor always held an interest in teaching, but events during her sophomore year of high school helped solidify her career path.
“We got custody of my little brothers, who are really my cousins, during my sophomore year, and they were really delayed in their development skills. My oldest brother couldn’t talk, but after speech therapy and then watching him bond with his teachers, he wasn’t angry, he wasn’t sad all the time. Seeing that made me really want to be an early learning teacher.”
After touring NT Pryor during her sophomore year, Chancellor knew immediately that she needed to enroll in Teacher Prep to help reach her goals.
She completed the program in May 2025 and credits the experience for helping her secure her new position.
“I think Teacher Prep prepared me for the job I'm working at now because I did not like speaking in front of people until I was in that class. It helped me get out of my shell. I also had to take tests to get certified, which allows me to be here today with the kids,” she said. “Mrs. Back was my instructor and is still a great friend and mentor even though I’ve graduated.”
Looking ahead, Chancellor plans to continue growing in her current role.
“I plan to stay here for a while and get all the certifications I can and grow as a teacher here,” she said. “In the next few years, I plan to go to NSU and get a degree in early childhood education. That's just really what I do want to work in, because I just love the kids so much and would love to help them.”