For PSU educator, teaching is about human connection

With a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s degree in educational technology, Tracy Rampy clearly highly values education. As an assistant instructional professor at Pittsburg State University, she leads a group of future educators who have the purpose of cultivating a learning mindset. 

“My job is not to fail you, it’s to teach you,” she said to a room full of education majors during a class she leads. 

Born in Cassville, Missouri, Rampy grew up in a family that valued academics. She said that let both she and her sister to go off to college. Rampy pursued business administration because of her fascination with economics and the changing world of finance. 

“I didn’t want to be a teacher at all then,” Rampy said. “I could do all sorts of things with a business degree. And I did well with that.” 

After building a successful career in finance, she took a break from the business world and started caring full-time for her two boys, which she considers an honor to have been able to experience. 

Taking care of her children and watching them develop and learn about everything new around them, she realized the values of teaching and the fulfillment that comes from a human resource profession. 

She said it was a new feeling she hadn’t experienced in the structured environment of her past profession. Having a husband who was an educator and taking on some volunteer work in schools during that time also deepened her fascination with working through human connection. 

After both of her sons started school, the workplace Rampy returned to wasn’t the financial field—it was the teaching environment. 

Today, with 30 years of experience, she said there is no question as to the best part about being an educator. 

“The students,” she said. “It’s got to be the students.” 

“That’s the only reason that I am here,” Rampy added. “And that’s the only reason I teach a face-to-face course.” 

Rampy values human connection more than anything, and that is why she makes the effort to travel every week from Kansas City to her sister’s house in Joplin in order to commute to classes for her students. 

Elizabeth Mascher, an associate professor at Pittsburg State University and coworker of Rampy, described their relationship as not only close colleagues but also good friends. 

“Dr. Rampy’s strong work ethic and commitment to educating students is to be commended,” Mascher said.  “In my opinion, she is at the top as an educator and leader here at Pitt State. She goes well beyond what is necessary, spending countless hours to ensure she is delivering quality, timely instruction.” 

Emma Rathbun and Kaitlyn Ramey, current students of Tracy Rampy, said she creates an engaging and supportive learning atmosphere in her courses.

“I think it is a very open and welcoming environment,” Ramey said. “It’s one of those classes where you can talk and not get scared. I think Dr. Rampy does a really good job at making sure that everyone does feel included in the conversation and gives everyone the opportunity to talk in class.” 

“It is common in the education department that a lot of teachers really, really want to be here,” Rathbun added. “It is nice to go to a class where the teacher is so genuinely passionate about education and also that believes in you so much. I think she is a great representation of the whole department.” 

Ramey, who said she is thinking of teaching a kindergarten class in the future, mentioned she would use Rampy’s “discussion time” to allow students to share and hear everyone’s points of view. 

“I also like how she connects everything to something that she has experienced, showing everyone that ‘this happens in the real world,’” Ramey said. 

On the other hand, Rathbun, who is planning to teach students in second through fifth grade, said Rampy has personal qualities she would like to emulate.

“Her open mindedness, which I think is something vital,” Rathbun said. “Outside her occupation, just hear people out from all perspectives. She carries that in her life, which I think is a great quality to have.” 

Rampy has had a long history filled with many valuable experiences, some years in the finance world and some in the technology world. But most of her professional years have been dedicated to connecting with people. She went through a change of career path, realizing her passion for human connection. 

Tracy Rampy has one piece of advice for today’s students. 

“Look up more,” she said. “Spend more time talking, and asking questions and being curious.”