Director of Secondary Education (7th to 12th grades) • Academic Principal
pchaney@miamips.net
Pam Chaney has worked in education for the past 30 years. This is her fourth year in administration. Prior to joining the Wardog family for this round, she taught five years at OK Union; two years at Miami High School (1998 to 2000); five years at Welch and 12 years at Grove. She graduated from Reed Springs, Missouri High School in 1987.
“A long history of Wardog pride resides in Miami that is contagious,” Chaney said. “We are unique and have great resiliency and a sense of community.”
Chaney and her husband, Jarrod, live on a ranch in the Bluejacket/Welch area of Craig County. He owns and operates Chaney Insurance in Grove. They have three children: Taylor who lives in OKC with her husband Cole Shimanek (they are both OSU grads and mechanical engineers); Jonas, an OSU student pursuing pre-dental; and Lauren, a pre-vet major at OSU.
Chaney went into education because of her first love and passion - coaching.
“I pursued education to coach high school volleyball,” she said. “I loved the sport so much, I wanted to spend my life teaching others the love of the game. I also had great science teachers in high school who really encouraged me and I thrived in their classes. Teaching biology and coaching went together very well.”
This is her second year as part of the high school administration team. She loves watching students and teachers shine.
“Being in admin at times loads us down with reports and duties that can distance us from where the real magic happens in the classroom,” Chaney said. “Being able to witness a teacher engage a classroom in an amazing lesson, watching our students excel in the many athletic and extracurricular activities always inspires and rejuvenates me. I love serving the teachers and students of MHS.”
One thing with Chaney
What's one person you admire?
My mama. Now that I have fully raised my own three kids, I truly admire the sacrifices she made, how hard she worked, and the love, strength and grace she gave to us kids.
What's one book that's stuck with you / or on your current reading pile?
I’m enjoying Dare to Lead by Brené Brown as a book study with our admin team. It provides extremely insightful and research based practices to inspire courageous leadership leaders.
What's one thing that might surprise people about you?
I’m a great pie baker. Always make homemade crust. Chocolate meringue pie is my family’s fav.
What's one thing you can't live without?
Chapstick, gotta have it.
What's one piece of advice you've been given, that's stuck with you?
My former assistant principal Bobby Kreutz told me to find a healthy outlet to deal with the stress of being in administration. I took his advice and stay committed to strength training and running 3 to 4 times a week. It is now an essential part of life for me.
What's one thing you'd want students to know about you, at the start of this school year?
I am dedicated to helping make this the best school year ever for them! My job is to ensure they receive the very best preparation possible for their next step in life whether it be college, vocational training, or the job force. My door is open. I’m always glad to help, assist, listen, or support them! GO WARDOGS!
