Meet Teacher Cornelia Ruff

If your child has attended Valley Christian High School, or you know someone who has, chances are they have had the privilege of being in Cornelia Ruff's history classroom. As head of the history department, she has taught every grade and every history course at some point during her career. This year, Ruff is teaching 11th grade U.S. history and Advanced Placement U.S. history. 

Patch: What do you like about the grade you teach?

Ruff: I like that the students are mature enough for a good conversation and also have their own opinions. 

Patch: What do you like to do outside of school when you aren't teaching?

Ruff: I like to bake, read and explore. 

Patch: Do you have any pets or hobbies?

Ruff: A friendly (and very large) golden retriever named Meister. I also enjoy working in my yard. 

Patch: Are you excited about anything new this year or doing anything different?

Ruff: Yes, focusing on building community in the classroom because I believe students resonate with relationships. 

Patch: How do you encourage your students?

Ruff: By shaking hands with every student before class, connecting with them on a personal level. I listen to them, talk to them, ask questions and let them know that I like them.  

Patch:  Do you have any advice to parents on homework or the school year?

Ruff: I think every student needs 1-2 hours a day without electronics, no cell phones, no computers or anything along those lines.  They need time when they can just focus on the work they need to without distraction. This is backed by research that says it's really necessary every student have some quiet time without electronics.

And, it's important to remember that even when kids act like they don't want their parents' advice, they do want boundaries and advice. Parents just need to work at it. Children want to know, and need to hear, that their parents love them.