Jean Robertson
Norma Jean Sullivan Robertson was born on Nov. 2, 1935, in Barnsdall to Lyles and Beva Jones Sullivan. She graduated from Barnsdall High School in 1954. Jean later attended the University of Oklahoma and received a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1958.
After graduation, Jean interviewed for a teaching job at Pryor. Hal Buchanan, the superintendent at the time, asked if she planned to stay for more than a year. Jean ended up spending the next 40 years at Pryor Junior High School teaching home economics (now known as family and consumer sciences education.)
During this time Jean attended Oklahoma College for Women, Oklahoma State University, Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma), Northeastern State University and OU to get more hours to keep her certification.
In 1965, Jean married Dean Robertson who was hired to teach science at Pryor. Dean also coached wrestling and football.
Jean received several commendations and honors during her years in career and technology education. She joined the American Vocational Association (now ACTE) in 1958 and later became a life member. She also joined the Home Economics Division (now Family and Consumer Sciences Education) and the Oklahoma Vocational Association (now OkACTE.) Jean was also listed in “Outstanding Secondary Educators of America,” “World Who’s Who of Women” and in 1985 was named Pryor Teacher of the Year.
Since her retirement, Jean and her husband spend a lot of time at their underground home in Sequoyah County. The Robertsons also stay busy by attending Scottish Games activities in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. Jean is also serving her third term on the City Library Board in Pryor.
Ms. Robertson was inducted to the CareerTech Hall of Fame in 2001.
