My Name is Tinnika Ray. I am honored to have been selected to serve as Teacher of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year at Bob Mathis Elementary. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art from North Carolina Central University and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instructions specializing in Technology from Grand Canyon University. I consider education to be a gift that can never be repossessed once accepted by the receiver. It is my desire to empower students, parents, and educators to flex the Power of Education in their everyday lives.

During the twelve years that I have taught, I have served as an educator at Fayetteville Street Elementary (Durham, NC), Research Triangle Charter Academy (Durham, NC), and presently Bob Mathis Elementary (Decatur, Georgia). I have had the opportunity to impact the lives of many 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grade students and parents.

Working with great educators and mentors, I strive to incorporate the best eclectic practices that are tailored to the needs of the students I serve. I believe that my responsibilities do not stop in my class, but extends to all the students in my school, community, and state. My daily waking challenge is to change the nation one student at a time.