(SPS) – Sapulpa Public Schools is thrilled to welcome Dwight Pickering back to the district as its Director of Indian Education.
A familiar face in the community, Pickering previously served Sapulpa Public Schools from 1979 to the mid-1990s as Director of Indian Education and head cross country coach, where he made a lasting impact on countless students with his steady leadership and commitment to excellence.
According to the Sapulpa Herald, Pickering recently shared an emotional reunion with several of his former cross country runners.
Though she didn't attend the reunion, one of his former runners is current Chieftains Cross Country head coach Debbie Williams, who credits Pickering as a major influence in her athletic career.
“Coach Pickering was my first running coach, and I can’t say enough about how his encouragement and knowledge were instrumental in my development as an athlete,” Williams told the Herald.
After leaving Sapulpa, Pickering went on to coach at his alma mater, Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas. He later returned to Oklahoma to serve as Director of Indian Education at Tulsa Public Schools before making his way back to Sapulpa in 1999.
Over the years, he has held leadership roles across the state with the Caddo Nation, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Kaw Nation, the Kiowa Tribe, and the Tribal Education Department National Assembly.
With more than 40 years of service in education, Pickering has dedicated his career to advancing Native American culture, language, and student success. In his role, he will oversee Sapulpa’s Johnson O’Malley program and Native American language studies, working to preserve cultural heritage while supporting student achievement.
“I am glad to be back, glad to be home, and glad to be at Sapulpa Public Schools,” Pickering said. “I’m committed to continuing to provide the best possible services for Sapulpa students.”
A member of the Caddo, Kaw, and Otoe tribes, Pickering earned his undergraduate degree from Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri. His numerous honors include:
- Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year
- Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission Dream Keeper Award – Renard Strickland Education Leadership
- Sapulpa Public Schools Distinguished Service Award
- Oklahoma Coaches Association Cross-Country Coach of the Year (Region 2)
- Induction into the Tarkio College Athletic Hall of Fame
Beyond education, Pickering has served as President of the Native American Amateur Boxing Association and Vice-President of One Nation Empowerment.
With his deep roots in Sapulpa and unmatched expertise in Native American programs, Pickering’s return marks an exciting new chapter for the district’s commitment to cultural education and student growth.