By Trina Walker
Steven Moran is passionate about understanding how the human body works and sharing this knowledge with others. With 40 years of teaching experience, Moran is an asset to Union High School, where he teaches Advanced Physiology.
Moran appreciates the accomplishments of student-athletes and how they generate pride and respect throughout the school. He wants student-athletes to be aware of the important role they play in representing their school.
“Strive to be the best athlete you can be at your sport while competing but also be the best student you can be in the classroom,” Moran says.
His classroom goal is for students to be engaged, show effort and become empowered by the lab experience each day.
“From the second day of the second semester of my course, Advanced Physiology, every day, with few exceptions, the students will place gloves on their hands and pick a group to work with, identifying all the structures of a sheep’s heart, brain, kidney along with various other structures and specimens to help them understand anatomy and how the body works,” Moran said.
Watching students who do not take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them is the most difficult part of being a teacher. There are, however, many rewarding moments he looks forward to.
“It is most rewarding when students who I have had the privilege of working with over the years, who have gone on and become medical doctors, PTs, PAs, nurses and other medical professionals, share their journey with my current students wearing their white coats and scrubs while inspiring future doctors in my current classes,” he said.
A student who inspired Moran is Dr. Kimberly Huckubee. She graduated number one in her class at Oklahoma State School of Veterinary Medicine and now owns and operates the Bent Arrow Veterinary Hospital in Broken Arrow.
“As a student, Dr. Huckubee’s valuable lesson was dream big and follow your passion,” Moran said.
An accomplishment he is most proud of was early in his career as a UHS Academic Team coach. His students qualified to compete in a national competition in Miami, Florida.
Moran values his family and helps others by supporting UHS food and clothing drives for students and families in need. He was recognized by CBC as an Everyday Hero in February of 2025. Moran was also selected in 2020 and 2010 as the Union High School Teacher of the Year.
