The Learning Locker: Supporting Teachers and Students in OKC

As the school year progresses, the Learning Locker at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Oklahoma City continues to serve teachers and students in OKC. The Learning Locker is Resurrection’s community outreach ministry to local educators, providing classroom essentials that teachers would otherwise have to purchase with their own money. It also offers backpacks and supplies to children in need. The Learning Locker remains open throughout the entire school year for both teachers and students.

The Rev. Sean Ekberg, Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, was inspired by the Teachers’ Toolbox program at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Miami. After learning about its impact, he reached out to the Rev. Kay Boman-Harvey for guidance on how Resurrection might begin supporting local educators in a similar way.

The Learning Locker was modeled after the very successful Teachers’ Toolbox program at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Miami, Oklahoma, which served as a model. The Teachers’ Toolbox provides school supplies to teachers across the seven school districts of Ottawa County and remains open throughout the academic year, ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources for their students to succeed.

After gathering logistical knowledge from that model, Resurrection cleared a space for its own version to take shape. The team identified a nearby elementary school in particular need of assistance. They obtained the school’s supply list and began discussions with the principal and counselor. The goal was to create a welcoming space where teachers could come and “shop” for essential classroom items, supplies they often purchased out of their own pockets.

At first, no one came. It was a discouraging start. Yet Paula Durst, Director of the Learning Locker at Resurrection, refused to give up. She began meeting with teachers again, persistent and full of grace. After several months of effort, two teachers finally walked through the doors.

Paula shared her motivation for this ministry:

“I volunteer for this work because it fills my heart with the Holy Spirit. The teachers are so grateful and are happy someone has their concerns in mind during this difficult teaching time. They ask us to pray for them or their families during hard times. That lets us know in our hearts we are doing what God intended for us to do together. When they hug me, I know God is working through me and giving me a big blessing at the same time. My faith requires me to do some form of community service.  That makes my heart feel full.”

Now, five years later, about thirty teachers regularly visit the Learning Locker, with some months busier than others. Paula explained how they adapt to changing needs:

“Testing months are a little slower for teachers to come by.  Sometimes, if they have needs like headphones for Chromebooks or other special requests, they will contact us on our Wishlist and ask for what they need. Rarely would we refuse them. The teachers have told us they do not spend nearly as much on their classrooms since we opened. They budget less money for school supplies, and that makes them very happy that the money is not coming out of their pockets.  We currently serve two elementary schools. They have a large number of students with special needs.  The teachers love that we have baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, and paper towels. They use a lot with the special needs children, and this is not supplied for them.”

Paula also shared how this ministry continues to deepen her faith:

“Our Christian identity, for me, is simple.  With our Baptismal Covenant, we commit to striving for justice and peace among all people and to respecting the dignity of all people, with God’s help. With Learning Locker, we are reaching out with our hearts for the dignity of all students and teachers. Some are Oklahoma-born, some are not.  It does not matter to us; we are here to do God’s outreach for justice and dignity.”