Sounds of laughter and fun fill the atmosphere of her class as students learn how to solve complex equations, find x and y-intercepts and simplify exponents. With a caring smile, sense of humor and a friendly personality, the teacher creates a comfortable learning environment, and her students are not afraid to ask questions. A balance of fun and learning builds confidence in her students, and they enter her classroom without the same dread of math they felt in the past because her lively personality radiates through every aspect of her lessons.

Jessica Ray was selected as Teacher of the Year Feb. 2 for the campus after being nominated along with Miles Blankenship, Leslee Justice, Jeff Klose, Andrew Neighbors and Stefanie Rodarte-Suto. Ray teaches dual credit business math, pre-calculus and college algebra.

“It was a big honor to win,” Ray said. “I love what I do, and I’m blessed that I work at the school that I do. I am thankful I get to do what I love every day.”

In her nine years of teaching, Ray has sponsored Rachel’s Challenge, the cheerleading program and D-FY-IT. Ray said her work in these programs has helped her get to know her students on a more personal level.

“It’s made me more compassionate about what happens in students’ lives,” Ray said. “I realize that math isn’t the only stress in their life, so I manage my class time wisely.”

To help keep the stress levels of her students down, Ray said she balances a level of fun in her lessons, wanting her students to feel comfortable enough to ask questions when they need help.

“I try to stay serious enough with my students that we get work done, but relaxed enough that I can still be approachable,” Ray said. “My personality helps me find this balance but some of it comes from experience. This is my ninth year to teach so I’ve found a balance over time.”

While teaching math, Ray said she strives to teach her students skills that go beyond the classroom and help them as they continue on to their future lives.

“I want my students to feel confident,” Ray said. “A lot of my students come to my class believing they can’t do math, and I hope they realize hard work really does pay off and their confidence in their work goes beyond the classroom.”