You can’t keep Tracy Barbay, 54, out of the classroom.

In December 2022, she retired from the Texas school system with 30 years of service as an educator and administrator under her belt. She taught in six school districts in Southeast Texas — Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, Woodville ISD, Orangefied ISD, Kirbyville ISD, Newton ISD, and Jasper ISD.

After retirement, she resolved to start working at Merryville High School as a sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher.

She graduated from MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. She said she was taught by great, dedicated teachers who made learning fun. Even as a young student, she regarded her teachers with respect, and understood the importance of their job for both the local community and larger society.

“Every person, no matter what job they currently have, had a teacher who impacted their life.”

As a student, she enjoyed science, especially in high school. Biology held a special place in her heart. She went the extra mile as a high school student by taking advanced biology and anatomy courses. Originally, she intended to pursue a career in the medical laboratory field as a lab tech, but she also had a passion for dance and dance performance. Torn between the two, she found a compromise.

“In order to be able to do both, I decided teaching science and dance in a public school setting would be perfect for me.”

She earned her Bachelor of Science in exercise sports science and dance from Texas State University, along with a minor in biology, in 1993. Shortly after, she took on her first position as a high school biology teacher and dance team coach.

She later continued her education at Concordia Univeristy, earning a Masters of educational administration and leadership.

Over the course of her career, she has taught junior high and high school science and special education. She has also served as an assistant principal and principal.

Barbay considers herself one of the rare educators who enjoys teaching junior high school.

“They are still young enough that they respond well to correction and direction, but old enough that they quickly learn and follow expectations and procedures.”

In her 33 years of teaching,  she has derived the most joy from sharing her love of science with her students, relishing in their accomplishments no matter how big or small.

“Students being curious, asking questions, and working the problems to find solutions is what I enjoy seeing,” she explained. “There are times that they need more direction and teacher interaction and times that I can sit back and watch them use and apply what they have learned. It is in those moments that I see the true success in what I do.”

But that doesn’t mean teaching is easy. She called the role important, powerful and rewarding, and a calling that doesn’t ring for everyone.

“I believe that teaching is a gift that God bestowed on those of us who choose it as our profession,” she said. “Working with children, engaging them in learning and watching them grow into productive educated people takes a great deal of commitment and dedication to the profession.”

Barbay’s advice to her peers is to always take it one day at a time, because every day is different for teachers.

“It benefits you to set small goals and long-term goals. Keep track of your accomplishments no matter how big or small. Acknowledge that you will have setbacks, but continue to strive to meet your goals,” she said. “Teaching requires patience and understanding.”