Michelle McCane

Michelle McCane was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She earned a high school diploma from Booker T. Washington High School, an associate degree from Tulsa Community College in 2012, a bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in 2014, and a graduate degree from Northeastern State University in 2018. Her career experience includes working as an educator. As of 2024, McCane was affiliated with Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association, Tulsa County Stonewall Democrats, the Tulsa County Democratic Party, and Young Democrats of Oklahoma.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Michelle McCane is an esteemed educator, boasting 14 years of dedicated service to the Tulsa community. Despite facing adversity as a young mother at 15, Michelle persevered, earning her GED and embarking on a journey of academic and professional achievement. While working as a Teacher Assistant for Tulsa Public Schools, she pursued her associate's degree at Tulsa Community College and later obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from Northeastern State University, all while raising her children.

Michelle's advocacy for education was galvanized during the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher Walkout, propelling her into greater involvement in local politics and the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association. Her leadership roles within the teacher's union, including serving on the executive board since 2022, underscore her commitment to amplifying the voices of educators.

Her accolades as Support Employee of the Year at Edison Middle School in 2012-2013 and Teacher of the Year at McLain High School in 2020-2021 attest to her outstanding contributions to education. Currently, she serves as the librarian and high school English teacher at Traice Academy, an alternative school in Tulsa Public Schools, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year for the 23-24 school year.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Despite the progress of 2018, Oklahoma continues to struggle to make appropriate investments in public education. We are 46th in classroom funding per student. Low funding has consequences. We are 49th in education with a 10% increase from last year in students not proficient in core subjects. When our state doesn't commit to supporting students how can we expect our children to become healthy well-rounded adults? Last year 16% of Tulsa County students didn't graduate, a 2% increase from the year before. Oklahoma consistently experiences lower graduation rates than the national average. Our kids aren't entering adulthood ready for the workforce plain and simple. The children of HD72 deserve quality educational experiencesOklahoma ranks 43rd in Family & Community metrics. Core Services are the backbone of a community's health and safety. The median income for HD72 is $29,000/ year. The income needed for a one-bedroom? $29,790. In the 2021 count, 11% of Tulsa's homeless population were children. Affordable and sustainable housing must become an active priority for our community and our state. Safe and stable housing is essential for a family's strength and resilience.Since ending access to safe abortion in Oklahoma the maternal death rate has more than doubled. The State Health Department cites encouraging regular checkups as a core part of their plan to reduce mortality. But in response to our abortion legislation 75% of Oklahoma's OBGYNs report wanting or planning to leave the state. Already for the 2024 legislative session, the ACLU is tracking 43 bills attacking transgender and LGBTQ+ Oklahomans. Over the past several years these bills have included legal protections for clinicians performing conversion therapy, banning children's ability to use comfortable bathrooms at school, and making it a felony for doctors to follow best practice medical care for transgender youth.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Healthcare, Women's Rights, and LGBTQ+ Rights, Economic Opportunity

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Navigating the challenges of becoming a teen parent has been one of the greatest struggles I have had to overcome. It redefined my life from that of a carefree child to an adult responsible for raising someone else in what felt like an instant. The necessity of a full-time job meant I had less opportunity to connect with my peers and learn the simple life lessons of young adulthood. Over 20 years later it still colors the way people perceive and even treat me due to preconceived ideas about who teen parents are. While it was a challenge, it has been a foundational experience that helped me to become who I am today.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education - Addressing teacher shortages, enhancing access to quality early childhood education, and narrowing achievement gaps will be essential for preparing Oklahoma's workforce for the future. Ensuring adequate funding for education and improving student outcomes remain pressing challenges.

Healthcare - Access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural areas, is a significant concern. Expanding Medicaid, supporting rural healthcare infrastructure, and addressing healthcare disparities will be critical for improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, effective policymaking often requires collaboration. unities

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

LPAC, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Rep. John Waldron, Rep. Amanda Swope, Oklahoma Education Association Black Caucus

What committees interest you?

Common Education, Higher Education and Career Tech, as well as the Children, Youth, and Family Services Committee