Teacher of the Year
Good Citizenship Medal
The Sons of the American Revolution, and the Fairfax Resolves chapter in particular, recognizes the need to identify, recognize, and commend Outstanding Social Studies Teachers. These extraordinary educators at private, public, and parochial institutions, who teach our children in a middle or high school setting, are recognized for actively addressing the history of the American Revolutionary era.
Award winners receive the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal and certificate. Winners are also recognized by local media publications and are eligible to be considered for the Virginia Society SAR Teacher of the Year Award.
Award Recipient
Barbara C. Ruff
2014
Helpful. Phenomenal. Extraordinary. Brilliant. Capable. Exceptional. Wonderful. Remarkable. Esteemed. Skilled. Revolutionary. These are some of the words used by others to describe Mrs. Barbara C. Ruff, the Fairfax Resolves Chapter 2014 Teacher of the Year.
Reviewers of Barbara’s career may conclude that teaching was her third profession. Based on letters submitted by her students, colleagues, and administrators, teaching is clearly her first love. Barbara graduated from Elmira College, New York, in 1968 and went to work for the Maryland Department of Social Services. She accepted a subsequent position with the US Department of Transportation in 1972, and received a Master’s degree from American University in 1975. Along this journey she met her husband, Jim, and together they have raised two children.
Barbara received her teaching certificate from George Mason University in 1989, and began her true vocation in Fairfax County schools at Falls Church High School. Positions soon opened at George C. Marshall High School, again at Falls Church, and finally at McLean High School in 2002. She currently teaches Advanced Placement (AP) US History, AP American History, and Honors Virginia/US History. The Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Barbara as one of its Outstanding Teachers of American History in 1997. She was selected Teacher of the year at McLean High School in 2012 and 2013.
Recognizing pre-eminent members of the education profession is Northern Virginia is a priority for our Chapter, and is especially rewarding when we find teachers who exude a tangible belief that learning matters. Barbara takes it a step further, where learning how to read, analyze, and communicate matters even more. We are proud to introduce the Fairfax Resolves Chapter 2014 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Barbara C. Ruff.
