2023 Oklahoma Arts Conference

"Promise in the Road Ahead"

Charlotte Oates
Charlotte Oates graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Music Education, majoring in choral music with a minor in piano performance and theory. She taught choral music for 30 years in Oklahoma, retiring from the classroom in 2006. In 2008, she obtained a Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree from Cameron University. She is now the Head Principal at Life Ready Center in Lawton. Among her many awards and accomplishments, Oates was selected twice as Teacher of the Year at Lawton High School, and, in 2006, she was chosen as the National Football League Teacher of the Year and was given the privilege of traveling to the ProBowl as a guest of a former student who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. She was nominated for Disney American Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2000. She has been the recipient of Cameron’s Inspiring Minds, Excellence in Education award as well as Cameron’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2006, she was awarded Exemplary Teacher from the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OMEA). In 2016, she was honored with a Visionary Leader of the Year award, and in 2018, she was chosen as Administrator of the Year by Professional Oklahoma Educators. For her commitment and contribution to arts education in Oklahoma, she was recognized by the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education in 2023. She has directed several honor choirs, including twice directing COCDA Honor choir, Oklahoma City Honor Choir, Southwest All Region Honor Choir, Kingfisher Festival, Wichita Falls Junior High Honor Choir, and Circle the State with Song. Oates also served as chair of the OMEA All-State Chorus Chair. In her community related efforts, Oates is a board member of Laura Fields Trust and Lawton Community Theater.

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