Dutton named Spring 2026 ‘Teach Like a Ranger’ Honoree

May 29, 2026

Morgan Dutton, a 2018 Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduate, was named the Spring 2026 “Teach Like a Ranger” honoree by Northwestern's Division of Education.

ALVA, Okla. — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Division of Education is proud to honor Morgan Dutton, high school science teacher and softball coach, with the Spring 2026 “Teach Like a Ranger” award.

“Coach Dutton is awesome; I love her amazing contagious energy, her ability to grab students’ attention and her funny jokes!” one student said.

Dutton graduated from Northwestern with a Natural Science Education degree with an emphasis in chemistry in 2018.

Dutton’s favorite class in the education program was digital technology—especially when she got to design and present her own lesson to the class.

“Northwestern allowed me to build a great community of support people,” Dutton said. “Even now, I know I can call on my professors for advice or with questions. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and support Northwestern has given me.”

Dutton’s successes are growing as she was named “Teacher of the Year” by Kingfisher Public Schools in February 2026.

Her advice to today’s student-teachers: ask questions.

“Lean on those teachers around you who have experience, and build on the lessons and advice they give you,” she said.

She counsels first-year teachers to enjoy the year and learn from it.

“It will go by faster than what you think,” she said. “You are learning what works for you in your classroom. Each year is a little different, so it’s not always going to be perfect.”

Dr. Jen Oswald, chair of the Northwestern Division of Education and associate professor of education, had the recent privilege of observing Dutton interacting with her students, even joining in and playing with the classroom’s VR technology.

“Watching Morgan in action is a true joy,” Oswald said. “She possesses that rare combination of deep content knowledge and the ability to make science truly accessible.”

Morgan Dutton works with students using virtual reality technology as part of a hands-on learning activity at Kingfisher High School.

Students also praised Dutton’s ability to make lessons fun and explain them intuitively, her encouragement of hands-on learning and her nice and forgiving demeanor.

“To see a former student leading with such innovation and care is exactly why we do what we do,” Oswald said.

Dutton said the students keep her motivated.

“Not every day is easy,” she said, “but when you see the connections being made or the student who has struggled the most starting to be successful, it makes the tough times worth it.”

Her students appreciate her efforts.

“She teaches with multiple examples and talks very thoroughly about the subject,” one student said. “I also appreciate how she’s flexible and understanding with assignments.”

The same student who complimented Dutton’s sense of humor also said, “Coach Dutton is more than just a coach and a teacher – she is a role model.”

Visit the Northwestern Division of Education webpage to learn more.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: 580-327-8480