BK Science Teacher Amour Beals Completes National Science Leadership Program

September 6, 2024

Ms. Beals was one of 38 hand-selected elite science educators invited to participate in the Teacher Leader Community program from the Nourish the Future initiative.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024: An elite group of hand-selected science educators from across the country recently culminated their year-long leadership program at Bayer Crop Science in Chesterfield, MO–, including Amour Beals of Bishop Kelley High School.


Nourish the Future is a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiative connecting students to modern agriculture. Its mission is to help teachers inspire their students to learn science, solve problems, and see the possibilities of careers in agriculture.


Beals was selected as one of 38 educators to participate in the Teacher Leader Community program from Nourish the Future. Industry partners like the United Soybean Board and the National Corn Growers Association fund the program to help farmers educate the public on modern farming and the science behind their practices.


The culminating Capstone Conference event in the St. Louis area included guided tours, curriculum activities, and an expert panel discussion. Attendees engaged with Bayer representatives and learned more about their initiatives in education and innovation.


“My ah-ha moment has been seeing the sheer amount of technology that's in agriculture. Kids don't realize the extent of it. I’d love to show them the drones, 3D printers, automated irrigation systems, and other technological tools in agriculture,” shared Beals.


Director of Education Gary Abud, Jr. summed up the importance of connecting the agriculture industry to the classroom: “effective STEM teaching requires real-world context, which students and teachers find accessible in agriculture.”


In addition to unique collaboration with industry experts from companies like Bayer, Beals’ involvement in the program focused on leadership and curriculum development skills.


“Learning science through agriculture inspires students to pursue critical scientific careers—many of which are currently going unfilled in the agriculture industry,” added Abud, Jr.


Upon completion, teacher leaders will go on to equip fellow educators with engaging lessons that teach mainstream science skills and concepts through agriculture, in an effort to promote students’ pursuit of scientific careers to feed and fuel future generations.


“By bringing back what she learned at the Capstone Conference, Amour Beals is unlocking hands-on, contextual science that’s highly relevant to anyone who eats. More students deserve the opportunity to learn science through agriculture.”


“Agriculture is important for students to learn about because agriculture is all around them. Even if you live in the middle of the city, your food has to come from somewhere. It's really important that our students know where their food comes from,” explained Jennifer Jones, a Nourish the Future coach and Nebraska science educator.


“The population of the world is getting bigger every day and it's a challenge our students will have to encounter at some point. Agriculture is one of the solutions.”

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ABOUT NOURISH THE FUTURE


Nourish the Future is a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers, connecting students to modern agriculture. The mission of Nourish the Future is to help teachers inspire their students– not only to learn science and solve problems– but to see the possibilities of STEM careers in agriculture.


Nourish the Future participants:

  • receive curriculum and free supplies to implement the lessons
  • work with a supportive network of leading-edge science teachers
  • connect with local farmers, food scientists, agronomists, technologists, researchers, and other agriculture experts


Nourish the Future's website provides free, standards-aligned lesson plans and curriculum for classrooms around the country.


Teachers interested in the leadership program can visit the Teacher Leader Community page.


The program is generously sponsored by the United Soybean Board and the National Corn Growers Association, with local support provided by state agriculture and education groups.


For more information, visit nourishthefuture.org.


Contact: connect@nourishthefuture.org


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Bishop Kelley Names Zach Postoak Head Varsity Baseball Coach

May 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tulsa, OK - Bishop Kelley High School has officially named Zach Postoak as Head Varsity Baseball Coach following his service as Interim Head Coach during the 2025–2026 season. Postoak joined the Bishop Kelley community during the 2024–2025 school year and has quickly become an important part of both the academic and athletic departments. He began as a full-time substitute teacher before transitioning midyear to teach computer literacy while also serving as an assistant coach for both the baseball and softball programs. Prior to arriving at Bishop Kelley from Owasso Public Schools, Postoak taught and coached in Oklahoma at Berryhill Public Schools and Cushing Public Schools. During his career, he has served in both head baseball and assistant softball coaching roles, helping lead teams to district championships and postseason appearances. He also spent time coaching at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Sports Science. During the 2025–2026 season, Postoak stepped into the Interim Head Baseball Coach role and helped guide the Comets to a runner-up finish at the OSSAA Class 5A State Baseball Championship. “Zach has done an outstanding job leading our baseball program,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “This team competed at a very high level throughout the season, finished undefeated in district play, and made an outstanding run to the state championship game. We are excited to officially name Zach as our head varsity baseball coach and look forward to continuing to build on the momentum and success of this season.” Postoak expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the program. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue serving Bishop Kelley and leading this baseball program,” Postoak said. “This season gave our student-athletes the opportunity to grow, compete, and learn at an elite level together, and I’m excited to continue building on the foundation our players and coaching staff have established.” In addition to serving as Head Varsity Baseball Coach, Postoak was recently named Head Softball Coach for the Comets softball program. About Bishop Kelley Baseball Bishop Kelley Baseball competes in OSSAA Class 5A and is committed to developing student-athletes who pursue excellence in competition, leadership, and character. The Comets program emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and representing Bishop Kelley with pride on and off the field. About Bishop Kelley Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well-prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. The Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs. Beyond the classroom, students can choose from more than 30 clubs and organizations, while athletes, academic bowl, and the speech and debate team compete in 20 OSSAA-sanctioned sports. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, dining and the arts. Recent improvements were made possible through the successful completion of the $25 Million We Are BK capital campaign-funded entirely through private donors, not tuition dollars.

Bishop Kelley Welcomes Julia Dierker as Head Girls Golf Coach

May 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tulsa, Okla. - Bishop Kelley High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Julia Dierker as the school’s new Varsity Girls Golf Coach and a member of the Social Studies faculty. Dierker brings a strong combination of competitive golf experience, classroom leadership, and program development to Bishop Kelley. Most recently, she served as the Girls Varsity Golf Coach and English teacher at Broken Arrow Public Schools, where she revitalized the girls golf program and helped guide multiple student-athletes to collegiate golf opportunities. Under her leadership, the program earned back-to-back Frontier Valley Conference Runner-Up finishes, and at least one athlete committed to college golf each year. In addition to her coaching success, Dierker has experience teaching several subjects at the secondary level and will obtain her master’s degree through Northeastern State University at the end of this calendar year. She has also worked extensively in youth development and athletics programming through organizations such as First Tee-Tulsa. “Julia’s passion for mentoring young women, her competitive drive, and her commitment to helping students grow both academically and athletically make her an outstanding addition to Bishop Kelley,” said Lance Parks. “We are excited to welcome her to our community and look forward to the impact she will have on our students and golf program.” Dierker said she was drawn to Bishop Kelley because of the school’s strong academic standards, competitive culture, and mission-centered environment. “Coaching young women to lifelong improvement and success in the classroom and in sport is my passion,” Dierker said. “I admire the strong tradition of academic excellence, competitive achievement, and high standards that define Bishop Kelley, and I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the school and its students.” A former collegiate golfer herself, Dierker competed at both Coffeyville Community College and University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, earning Academic All-American honors and serving as team captain during her collegiate career. Dierker will begin her role at Bishop Kelley for the 2026–2027 school year. About Bishop Kelley Girls Golf The Bishop Kelley Girls Golf program has a strong tradition of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and student-athlete development within the OSSAA. Comet golfers are challenged to grow both on and off the course through discipline, integrity, and a commitment to continual improvement. The program emphasizes individual growth while fostering a team culture rooted in accountability, encouragement, and respect for the game. Bishop Kelley Girls Golf strives to develop confident young women who pursue excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and service while representing the mission and values of Bishop Kelley High School with pride. About Bishop Kelley Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well-prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. The Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs. Beyond the classroom, students can choose from more than 30 clubs and organizations, while athletes, academic bowl, and the speech and debate teams compete in 20 OSSAA-sanctioned sports. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, dining and the arts. Recent improvements were made possible through the successful completion of the $25 Million We Are BK capital campaign-funded entirely through private donors, not tuition dollars.