Title: Teacher
Company: Lochburn Middle School
Location: Puyallup, Washington, United States
Jennifer A. Rhue, teacher at Lochburn Middle School, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in academia.
Ms. Rhue has spent nearly two decades in the field of education, specializing in English literature. She currently excels as a teacher at Lochburn Middle School, a role she has held since 2017. Additionally, she has been an adjunct faculty member at Tacoma Community College since 2020. She was also a teacher at Mohave Community College and Mohave High School for 12 Years, as well as a teacher with Clover Park School District. Prior to these accomplishments, she pursued an education at Mohave Community College, earning an Associate of Arts in English language and literature in 2003, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Northern American University in 2006, and culminating with a Master of Arts in education from Prescott College in 2010. She is also a certified Washington educator.
Ms. Rhue became a teacher inspired by her mother, a teacher at Mohave High School. She realized her passion for teaching when she assisted her mother in researching and raising awareness about sexually transmitted diseases after Freddie Mercury’s death. Witnessing the reactions and impact on students during her mother’s presentation, she knew she wanted to pursue teaching. She attributes her success in teaching to the lessons she learned from her own experiences as a student. She is determined to be approachable, understanding, and empathetic, especially at Lochburn Middle School, where many students face challenging backgrounds.
Ms. Rhue notes that her professional growth has been significantly shaped by her journey into understanding diversity and equity, with her move to Washington opening her eyes to systemic inequities and cultural differences. Teaching a diversity class at Tacoma Community College also deepened her understanding and ability to challenge biases in educational settings, helping her become a more empathetic and effective teacher. Her teaching philosophy also integrates life lessons with academics, addressing behavior and mental health, and fostering students’ emotional and social growth. She believes that what sets her apart is her ability to bring joy and humor into her teaching. When addressing behavioral issues, she says she uses a “light touch” that encourages openness and receptivity. Reflecting on her career, a standout moment in her career was leading the “Every 15 Minutes” anti-drunk driving campaign at Mohave High School, where she coordinated with the hospital, local television station, firefighters, and police officers to stage a realistic crash scene on the football field.
In the coming years, Ms. Rhue sees herself as a full-time community college faculty member, expanding her teaching role in English literature and composition. Additionally, following the loss of her son, she has found purpose in motivational speaking on suicide awareness and mental health advocacy, aiming to honor his memory by becoming a dedicated advocate. Her long-term goal includes honoring her son’s memory and preventing others from experiencing similar tragedies. She is also committed to broadening her academic horizons, with plans to study African American, Chicano, Latino, and Native American literature to enhance her teaching and provide a better educational experience for her students.
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