Reginald Irons directs during jazz band at Classen School of Advanced Studies. [Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman]

Public school educators often are overworked, underpaid and underappreciated.

Reginald Irons, however, has spent his teaching career focusing on two things that push the negatives aside: his love for music and his students.

For 40 years, Irons has taught music in Oklahoma City Public Schools, ranging from middle school band and orchestra to high school concert and jazz band.

That love, Irons said, is what motivates him to teach and has given him such longevity.