Voting for the teacher of the year is almost here! This is some insight into the three finalists; Kelsey Ray, Kylie Howell, and Eric Rath.

First, we have Kelsey Ray, head of the Math Department. She teaches Honors Algebra II and Dual Credit Business Math.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Ray: In all honesty, I never thought that I wanted to be a teacher. I decided to major in mathematics at WTAMU and get my teaching certification “just in case” I decided to teach. When I did my student teaching, I discovered that I really enjoyed teaching and knew I was right where I was supposed to be. Several people saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue a career in education, most notably my high school math teacher, Mr. Davis; my college advisor, Dr. Lockwood; and my cooperating teacher during student teaching, Denise Wieck. Without their support and encouragement, I doubt I would be where I am today.

How do you keep students interested in class?

Ray: We all know math class can be pretty boring. I try to be entertaining while I’m teaching boring content by adding little personal anecdotes, dumb jokes, or overly dramatic examples into my lessons. My students may find it a little cringey, but at least they’re paying attention.

What is your favorite part of teaching?

Ray: I love the fact that every class period, every day, and every school year is different! It keeps my job interesting.

What is a non-academic lesson that you hope to teach students?

Ray: I find that students often want to give up when a problem feels too hard, and I make it a point to encourage them to keep trying even when they don’t get it the first time. I hope students leave my class knowing that persistence in the face of a difficult problem (in math and in life) pays off!

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced when you first started teaching?

Ray: I was only 22 when I first started teaching, and I struggled with students taking me seriously. I figured out pretty quickly that I had to have strict expectations for my classes!

Is there anything interesting about yourself that you think would surprise people to know?

Ray: I have “old lady” hobbies, particularly sewing, cross stitch, and crochet. I enjoy the creative outlet and enjoy making something useful or beautiful out of just a few supplies!

Is there anything your department has done this year that you are proud of?

Ray: I am so proud of our Algebra 1 team and how they have adapted to the challenge of a new curriculum this year. They have worked really hard to take a difficult curriculum and help their students be successful!

Next is Kylie Howell, the Theatre Arts Director.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Howell: I was inspired to be a teacher after a summer internship I had in college. I worked with students from all backgrounds in a fine arts camp. Watching students fall in love with performance was a one of a kind experience. I changed majors from performance to education that year. It was the best decision I could have made! I also had really awesome teachers who impacted my life and I wanted to do that for others. 

How do you keep students interested in class?

Howell: I like to have a mix of seat work and “on your feet work.” Theatre is a hands-on artform and I think students can see an end product which helps. Theatre allows for games, and activities to learn and keep it fresh. 

What is your favorite part of teaching?

Howell: I love watching student growth. Especially in confidence. I have the unique opportunity to see students from freshman to senior year in some cases. Watching them become young adults and being a small part of that process is very important to me.

What is a non-academic lesson that you hope to teach students?

Howell: I hope to teach students that they are brave, capable, creative people who have something special to offer the world. Theatre also brings students of all backgrounds and interests together. I hope that they also learn from each other! 

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced when you first started teaching?

Howell: The first year or two were huge challenges. This included managing student behavior, creating lessons and curriculum, and creating a culture that supported our goals. It was a big job. 

Is there anything interesting about yourself that you think would surprise people to know?

Howell: I don’t know if this is what you are looking for, but I’ve done a little bit of everything in the fine arts world. I was a stage manager, I’ve acted and sung professionally, worked on backstage crews, and have been in choir and opera. It was all really fun and I still love to sing, but directing students is my favorite! I think it’s given me an appreciation for all of the roles in the production process. 

Is there anything your department has done this year that you are proud of?

Howell: I’m really proud of the musical this year. There has also been some great involvement in UIL design, drama club and our classes and I think a lot of that is owed to our student leaders! 

Any additional information you’d like to add.

Howell: I appreciate the staff and student support as I returned to work later in the school year after having my second little boy. Everyone really stepped in to make the transition as smooth as possible. And I’m really honored to be considered with all of the incredible teachers who give back to students every day.

Finally we have Eric Rath, the Band Director.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Rath: While I had an incredibly happy childhood, like so many, I struggled socially in Middle School, which is when I also started being in the Band. I noticed that my friends were all in Band and that it was the place where I always felt most at home. When a guest speaker came to talk to us about careers, he made an offhanded comment that the best career for anyone is to find the thing you love, because the work will feel a lot less like work. I literally made the choice in that moment to become a band director and I’m so glad that I did. While teaching is absolutely a lot of work, he was right, when the work is for something you love, it feels a lot less like work and a lot more purposeful.

How do you keep students interested in class?

Rath: Well, it depends so much on the student! But some universal things that seem to work are picking music the students enjoy playing, trying to find as much fun within a rehearsal as possible, seeing the experience as a collaboration, and feeding students. All of those things, for sure. But, maybe mostly feeding students and rewarding them with candy or free drinks from Pak a Sak. Who doesn’t love a great extrinsic motivator?!

What is your favorite part of teaching?

Rath: Seeing the “lightbulb” turn on. When a student finally “gets it,” it reminds me of cartoons where you see a lightbulb appear over a character’s head as if to say they finally understand. Because we have a wide variety of ages, instruments played, different ability-based bands, and individual ability levels, we get to see the “lightbulb” turn on pretty frequently. 

What is a non-academic lesson that you hope to teach students?

Rath: For me, teaching Band is WAY less about playing an instrument, and it is so much more about personal accountability, citizenship, teamwork, and grit. Music is the vehicle for all of that, but when I run into students I taught years ago, I’m always most satisfied to see how productive their life is and they often tell me that Band played a big part of that. They may not play their instrument anymore, but they still take those important “non-academic” lessons they learned and apply them to their adult lives.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced when you first started teaching?

Rath: Pretty much everything was an unexpected challenge. From learning names, to staying on top of my workload, to simply knowing how each instrument works, or how to run a rehearsal, every day was a challenge. But, also I learned everyday and that was so exciting to me. In fact, even in my 25th year of teaching, I’m still learning something every day and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Is there anything interesting about yourself that you think would surprise people to know?

Rath: The Band students know this, but I really enjoy playing Fortnite. And before you get any ideas, I play it on my phone (which apparently makes me much LESS of a gamer) and I’m not very good at it. But you better believe that if I get a Victory Royale, I’m going to post it to my Instagram story.  

Is there anything your department has done this year that you are proud of?

Rath: I’m so proud of the Fine Arts teachers at CHS and think they are all world-class, master teachers. As much as my schedule will allow, I really enjoy attending the Musical and One Act that Mrs. Howell produces, seeing the Choir at UIL under the leadership of Mr. Farren and Mrs. Cunninham, hearing from Mr. Howard how Speech and Debate is going, and talking to Ms. Jennings about all of the creative things happening in the Art Department. We often talk about how special Canyon High School is with all of its myriad activities, but I’m especially proud to be a part of the 1400 Hall. Just like when I was a kid, this part of the building is home for a lot of students. I think that’s a really unique way to watch my life come full circle.

Teachers, be sure to place your votes for teacher of the year! Voting opens January 19 and closes on January 30.