Title: Science Teacher and Coach
Company: Huntington Independent School District
Location: Huntington, Texas, United States
Joan M. Rhea, science teacher and coach at the Huntington Independent School District, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in chemistry education.
Ms. Rhea has specialized in teaching science for more than 40 years, beginning as a science teacher at Spencer Public Schools in 1983. Subsequently, she continued teaching science at Bern School District, where she also embraced the role of a coach, building on her passion for playing volleyball when she was in school. Ms. Rhea made further contributions as a teacher at Wonderview Public Schools and Arlington Heights High School throughout the 1990s. In 1999, she began a tenure of nearly 20 years as a chemistry teacher and coach at Venus High School. Following that, Ms. Rhea shifted to providing education at Fort Worth Independent School District. In 2024, she accepted her current position as a science teacher and coach at Huntington Independent School District.
Prior to embarking on her professional journey, Ms. Rhea sought her own education. She initially entered college to study pre-med but made the choice to become a teacher rather than pursue medical school. Ms. Rhea earned a Bachelor of Science in natural sciences and education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1982. Her accomplishments have been honored with a number of accolades, including being named Teacher of the Year in 2014 and 2016. Ms. Rhea was presented with the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence from the Fort Worth Masonic Lodge in 2024. She credits her success to her accepting nature and adaptability.
Outside of her career, Ms. Rhea is a devoted wife, mother to two and grandmother to two. For the immediate future, she is eager to continue her work as a teacher and coach, with an emphasis on creating the best possible learning environment for her students. Ms. Rhea has also started considering her retirement but hopes to remain involved with volleyball coaching even after she retires.
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