M A Salute To Women In Education
H
feature story
olly Ridgeway loves teaching math to peo-
ple who don’t like it. She has always been
a “math nerd”, and seeing people conquer
math problems when they don’t believe they
can is great fun for her. Incorporating logic,
rational reasoning, technology, and good old
hard work to solve rigorous mathematical
problems is satisfying and keeps her mentally sharp. The relation-
ships she forms with the students make the long days, hard work,
and detailed preparation worth it. Holly calls it a gift to be able to
“play a part in the development of a soul, the most precious thing
God ever created, and to nurture that soul in growing and developing
mentally, spiritually, and socially is a responsibility that I don’t take for
granted.”
One of the greatest rewards associated with teaching for Holly
is the relationship with her students. She considers it a privilege to
be admitted into a teenager’s inner circle of influence. This area of
influence is also a great challenge as well. Teen years are pivotal in
the development of a person and Holly feels a great responsibility to
make sure that the example she sets before her students is one worth
emulating.
“The youth of today have so much in the way of material blessings
but are limited in the area of mentors. Christ calls us to ‘make disci-
ples’ and my sphere of influence includes the students I teach. Each
of my students possesses an eternal soul that will exist somewhere for
all time so I want my example to exemplify Christ and to point my stu-
dents to His truth since it lasts for eternity… I dream of inspiring stu-
dents to grow in the same areas that my Lord Jesus Christ grew: in
wisdom, stature, in favor with God, and with man.”
Holly Ridgeway’s sense of humor comes shining through when she
is asked to describe a particularly memorable teaching moment: “My
tendency to get tongue tied while explaining a math problem has
led to some pretty humorous and downright embarrassing mispro-
nunciations that continue to haunt me today.” Who says math class
can’t be fun?!
“Christ calls us to
‘make disciples’
and my sphere of
influence includes
the students I
teach.”
When asked if she had any advice for teachers that may be strug-
gling in their careers, Holly was quick to respond: “Take care of your-
self. Spend time with the Lord, with your family, eat right, and exer-
cise. Teaching is one of the most physically and mentally demanding
jobs out there. Love your students enough to take care