In The Spotlight - Darla Skinner

Posted Date: 05/17/2021

Darla knew from fifth grade on she wanted to be a special education teacher.  Her heart has always been dedicated to teaching, and she felt it was not just a job, but a calling. 

Darla started her teaching career when she was just 21 years old and has given 30 years of service to the field of education. 

She taught special education classes in the Duncan area for 24 years and had always taught special education classes ranging from mild/moderate to severe/profound disabilities. Six years ago, Darla was recruited by OSD to be the lead teacher at the OSD Chickasha Campus.

Upon joining the OSD team, Darla was provided the opportunity to expand her skill set and her comfort zone by learning American Sign Language and becoming Deaf Education certified in order to teach our students. 

Darla has also been a mentor teacher to students in the Deaf Education Program at USAO as well as to her teaching partner, Katelynn Hull. 

Darla lives in Duncan, OK with her husband, Philip, and three dogs, Buddy, Frazier, and Hulk. She also has a son named Lane, who is a home builder in Edmond. 

In her spare time, she enjoys camping in their travel trailer, reading, bike riding, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and volunteering at the Toy Shop of Duncan. Darla has decided to retire this year but hopes to continue to be a resource to parents and families of children with special needs.

Darla has some plans after retirement. Some of which include spending time with her family, learning new hobbies, possibly returning to the classroom as a teacher's assistant as well as continuing to advocate for students with special needs 

Teachers affect eternity and Darla is no exception. She has changed lives and inspired others. Thank you Darla, for your dedication to the field and especially to our children at OSD.