As a second-grade teacher at Augusta Elementary School in Hampshire County, Barbara Ray said her favorite part of being an educator is watching her students grow and develop though the elementary years and eventually become high school graduates.
“I have had two students who have written me cards when they were seniors to share with me how much I changed their lives and how special they felt when they were in the 2nd grade,” Ray said. “Just recently, I had a high school graduate tell me that I was the most important teacher that he ever had and that if it had not been my words of encouragement pushing him to succeed, he would have never made it through high school. It means the world to me that I was able to make a difference!”
Mrs. Ray began teaching in Ohio in 1997 and moved to West Virginia in 2007 to continue educating children. In her 20+ years of teaching, she said she believes the education community is one to be admired.
“The education community in West Virginia is so successful because of the effort put forth by educators in working closely with parents to make each child successful and feel as if they are a part of something bigger.”
Like many teachers, Mrs. Ray said she has nothing but love for her students.
“I have loved the enthusiasm that students have for learning, and I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people.”
Mrs. Ray lives in Springfield with her husband Rob, their son Lane and their beloved pets, Sasha, Bella, Rowdy, Sasse and Rikki. When she isn’t busy teaching, she loves to read, travel, camp and spend time outdoors.