At Durant High School, Lori Wood has spent nearly two decades building classrooms centered on hands-on learning, real-world skills and strong student connections. Wood teaches Family and Consumer Science Basics, Basic Culinary and Interpersonal Studies and serves as FCCLA advisor, guiding students through leadership opportunities and competitive events tied to family and consumer sciences.
Wood has been in education for 22 years, including 18 at Durant. She says her path into teaching was shaped early, growing up in a small school where her mother taught her throughout high school, an experience that influenced her belief in education built on relationships.
“I had my mother as a teacher all four years of high school,” Wood said. “That really showed me what education can look like when it is personal and consistent.”
In her classroom, Wood emphasizes learning by doing. From culinary lessons to interpersonal skill-building, students are encouraged to actively participate rather than simply listen.
“My classroom is all about having fun while learning,” Wood said. “We do a lot of hands-on activities because I want them to learn by doing, not just listening.”
She also prioritizes daily connection with students, believing small conversations build trust and engagement. Checking in about life outside school is part of her routine and helps students feel seen and supported.
“I try to talk to my students every day,” she said. “Just asking how their day or weekend was can make a big difference.”
One of her favorite units is teen relationships, which she says resonates strongly with students. She also finds it especially rewarding when students gain confidence in skills like public speaking.
Wood says maintaining engagement is one of education’s biggest challenges. She addresses it by varying instruction, incorporating group work and encouraging collaboration.
Before becoming an educator, Wood worked as a scientist after college, a background she says still influences her curiosity and attention to detail in the classroom.
Outside of school, she enjoys time with her family, boating, camping, cooking and working in her flower gardens. She also credits fellow FCS teacher Ms. Carter as a key influence in her career.
Above all, Wood hopes students leave her classroom feeling supported and confident, with practical skills and meaningful experiences they can carry beyond school.
