Mrs. Ray grew up in Northern Illinois, and attended schools designed much like JCS! She first found her love for education through elementary and middle school STEM science camps, for which she taught and designed curriculum while still in high school. She later moved to Denver for her undergraduate degree, where she studied Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Colorado Denver. She spent time as a teaching assistant in their Leadership program, as well as teaching and volunteering at local Montessori schools and public schools whenever she could. She pursued her Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning through Colorado State University, and was a student teacher in both Denver Public Schools and virtually in Alabama. Mrs. Ray is very passionate about problem-based learning, literacy, and finding joy in reading and writing. 

Mrs. Ray started at JCS – Mountain Oaks in late Spring 2024, and she is thrilled to have another amazing year with 6th grade! While teaching English and History are how Mrs. Ray spends most of her days, Spanish is still a huge part of her life as well. Running the Spanish elective is one of Mrs. Ray’s biggest passions and she can’t wait to continue improving and growing the program.  

When not teaching, you can find Mrs. Ray reading a book, writing her own stories, traveling, or playing video games, board games, and D&D with her family and friends. 

¡Hasta pronto!