Hello OABE Members,

My name is Savanna Payne and I am very excited to serve the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education as the new president. I grew up moving around due to my father’s Navy career until I was 13 years old. I have completed my high school years in Choctaw, Oklahoma and earned my Bachelors in Elementary Education. I continued my education by receiving a Masters in Bilingual/TESL from the University of Central Oklahoma.

I have been deeply passionate about serving diverse populations including Multilingual Learners my entire education career. Along with believing strongly that teachers can become the strongest advocates with the partnership of families and communities to best serve Oklahoma’s growing population of Multilingual Learners. 

Currently, I work as an English Language Development Program Administrator in Oklahoma City Public Schools. Every single day I witness educators and administrators striving for excellence and providing hope to our students. I value your dedication to our profession! 

As funding crises are looming at many of our districts, it is more important than ever to be champions for Multilingual Learners and ourselves. I am constantly inspired by the passion, vigor, and dedication of our educators in the state of Oklahoma throughout these tumultuous times. It is my hope we carry the voices of our students and families within our hearts each and every day to bring awareness and continued advocacy. 

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work on this board, and I look forward to getting to know you, to work with you, and to learn from everyone within the organization. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at bilingualok@gmail.com. 

Savanna Payne

President, OABE