Norman teacher cites pay, family as factors in decision to move to Oregon

Room 811 at Norman High School has been science teacher Adam Lifsics’ only classroom for the last 11 years. He’s taught biology and environmental science. From the funny memes from his students to his teaching awards on his desk and on the wall, Lifsics was invested in Oklahoma education. “This school has been my second family, especially the science department here is great,” he said. Lifsics has certainly grown within the school district; he’s even started a gardening program. But now, he’s uprooting and moving across the country. Family and finances are the driving forces behind his decision to move to Portland, Oregon. He said the decision has been years in the making. “I’d be able to be closer to them and make more money,” Lifsics said. “To have a family. To live more comfortably.” He said he will cherish the fact that he’s spent his entire adult life in one city, but he’s disappointed and worried for his colleagues who were promised a pay raise but never got one from lawmakers. “I think they abandoned us a long time ago, and this is just a repercussion from that,” Lifsics said.

Room 811 at Norman High School has been science teacher Adam Lifsics’ only classroom for the last 11 years.

He’s taught biology and environmental science. From the funny memes from his students to his teaching awards on his desk and on the wall, Lifsics was invested in Oklahoma education.


“This school has been my second family, especially the science department here is great,” he said.

Lifsics has certainly grown within the school district; he’s even started a gardening program. But now, he’s uprooting and moving across the country.

Family and finances are the driving forces behind his decision to move to Portland, Oregon. He said the decision has been years in the making.

“I’d be able to be closer to them and make more money,” Lifsics said. “To have a family. To live more comfortably.”

He said he will cherish the fact that he’s spent his entire adult life in one city, but he’s disappointed and worried for his colleagues who were promised a pay raise but never got one from lawmakers.

“I think they abandoned us a long time ago, and this is just a repercussion from that,” Lifsics said.