The Light We Carry: The Power of Community
DR. CHRISTOPHER S. CULVERI have proudly served educational communities for more than a decade. As a product of Oklahoma public education, I know firsthand the transformative power that connection and collaboration can have—not just globally, but right here in our own backyard.
I often reflect on how communities and nonprofit organizations have stepped up for our schools, working tirelessly to close access gaps and support not just students, but their families and communities as well. These efforts go far beyond funding. While financial resources are important, what’s often needed most are the basics—food, clothing, washers and dryers, transportation, counseling, and other services that require human connection, partnership, and people. These are critical needs that schools frequently struggle to meet due to limited funding or restrictive regulations.
Funding is an important topic, and I encourage you to read a blog I wrote for Advance Oklahoma’s Kids last year [click here] to dive deeper into that conversation.
My own doctoral research focused on school culture, motivation, and the collective impact on teacher retention. We know the teacher shortage is not just a local concern—it’s a national crisis. Through my work and conversations across the country, one thing is clear: we have a teacher shortage—full stop.
In my research, I found that positive school culture is what motivates and retains quality educators. It’s about building relationships rooted in trust, offering autonomy through empowerment, recognizing hard work, and ensuring clear, transparent communication. At its core, it’s about living the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.
This research was personal. I once worked in a toxic environment that led me to call the employee assistance helpline. When I raised the flag for help, I was met with silence. That painful experience pushed me to pursue answers—not just for myself, but for every teacher who’s ever felt unheard or unseen. As my friend Dr. Darrin Peppard says, “I’m no longer protecting the guilty.” That season of hardship ultimately led to my 5+1 model for teacher retention, which you can learn more about here.
In January 2025, I received a message from President Kody Job about joining Oklahoma Citizens for Education—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Oklahoma’s students, educators, and schools. Their belief is simple but powerful: Teachers are superheroes. Students are the future. Community is the impact.
We’ve already launched initiatives like ACT prep support for students at Douglass High School and an upcoming Pancakes & Positivity event at Orvis Risner Elementary in Edmond. We celebrated Read Across America week with five different school districts. These experiences are rooted in one central idea: to help people feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. That’s how you build culture—and culture starts at the top. If we can’t find the light, we must be the light. Oklahoma Citizens for Education is one more bright bulb in a larger effort to elevate education across our state.
I have the privilege of traveling and speaking to students and educators nationwide. While there are incredible things happening across the country, there are even more extraordinary things happening right here in Oklahoma. It’s an honor to serve as Vice President of Oklahoma Citizens for Education, not only to give back to the state that shaped me but to champion our mission, vision, and work:
Mission:
To empower Oklahoma’s schools, educators, and students by fostering collaboration, providing resources, and championing community-driven solutions to systemic educational challenges.
Vision:
OCE envisions an Oklahoma where every school serves as the heart of its community, where teachers are celebrated and supported, and where students are empowered to succeed in life and leadership through meaningful education powered by community-driven support.
Our Focus Areas:
Improve Teacher Retention: Reduce turnover through mentorship, recognition, and competitive compensation advocacy.
Enhance Student Success: Deliver life skills training, leadership development, and essential resources to combat inequities—including food insecurity.
Foster Community Engagement: Unite parents, nonprofits, corporations, and policymakers around a shared vision for education.
Promote Equity, Inclusion, and Life Skills: Address systemic inequities affecting rural, urban, low-income, and minority students through intentional outreach and programming.
Conduct Research & Advocate Policy: Use data-driven, nonpartisan research to push for systemic educational improvement.
Education isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling. While my roles in education have evolved, I am deeply grateful to serve future teachers and leaders at a local university. It’s my way of giving back to Oklahoma and preparing the next generation of educators.
As you look for ways to serve Oklahoma and your community, I invite you to engage with Oklahoma Citizens for Education. We are committed to supporting all students across the state—because everyone deserves the opportunity to belong.
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