For Payton Sledge Reep, returning home to Warren was never just about a job. It was about investing in the community that helped shape her and helping students realize they have the power to shape it, too.
A 2014 graduate of Warren High School, Reep left Warren to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in marketing and sales from Arkansas State University in 2018. She later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello as well as an Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University.
After college, Reep began a career in sales with Arkansas Business, selling magazine advertisements. While she enjoyed the work, she soon realized her heart was pulling her in another direction.
“I wanted to prove my mom wrong,” Reep said with a laugh when asked if she always knew she wanted to become a teacher. “I worked in sales first and I liked it, but it was not what I was meant to do.”
In 2018, Reep began teaching seventh, eighth, and ninth-grade math in the Strong School District. A year later, she returned home to Warren to teach 10th-grade geometry at Warren High School before eventually transitioning into her current role as the school’s EAST facilitator.
Reep credits former teacher Cecilia Whittemore and her mother as two of the biggest influences in her life.
“Cecilia Whittemore was the best teacher,” Reep said. “And my mom always said I was going to be a teacher.”
Today, Reep pours that same encouragement into her own students, helping them build confidence while discovering ways to make an impact in their community.
“What I enjoy most is helping them realize they are ready for the real world and that they can make a difference in people’s lives,” Reep said.
Through the EAST program, Reep’s students have become actively involved throughout Bradley County. Students have volunteered at the Pink Tomato Festival, attended Rotary Club meetings, livestreamed football and basketball games, created apps and 360-degree virtual tours for websites, and assembled grab bags for a local grocery store.
However, one project has become especially meaningful to Reep and her students — Operation Baby Box.
After returning from maternity leave following the birth of her first child, Reep said one of her classes began discussing the Safe Haven law, which allows parents to anonymously surrender newborns 30 days old or younger at designated safe locations, including Baby Boxes.
Students learned the nearest Baby Box was located in El Dorado and that funding opportunities were available to help establish one in Warren. What began as a classroom discussion quickly became a community-wide effort.
“We called the powers that be such as city council, fire chief and school board and got the ball rolling,” Reep said.
The students launched fundraising efforts through pledge cards they designed themselves, along with bronze, silver and gold sponsorship packages. With support from Hope Place and Wendy Curry, students presented the project to local businesses and community members, eventually raising $25,000 for the initiative.
“All funds have been raised,” Reep said. “We have the box and are awaiting installation at the Fire Department.”
When asked what she considers her greatest accomplishment, Reep said the answer is easy.
“The baby box,” she said. “It is the most rewarding.”
For Reep, some of the most meaningful moments come from watching students discover confidence in themselves. She recalled one student who was once extremely quiet but now confidently gives presentations and serves in a leadership role.
She said seeing students discover future careers and passions through the EAST program is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.
Beyond academics, Reep works to connect students with leadership opportunities, career interests and meaningful community involvement. She hopes her students leave her classroom understanding that they are capable of making a difference wherever they go.
Reep said her family plays a major role in helping her balance the demands of teaching and motherhood, crediting both her family and her husband’s family for providing unwavering support.
“And never underestimate a Sonic sweet tea,” she added jokingly.
As someone born and raised in Bradley County, Reep said there is something special about the sense of community found in Warren.
“I love the sense of community everyone has,” she said. “I love when I tell someone where I’m from, they know we are a tight-knit community.”
Through her passion for education, service and mentorship, Reep is doing more than teaching lessons in a classroom — she is inspiring students to believe in themselves, serve others and help make Warren an even better place to call home.
