LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Barbara Babka

Position: Retiring Language Arts/AVID Teacher
School: Judkins Middle School
School District: Lucia Mar USD
City, State: Pismo Beach, CA

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Music that Describes Barbara

Barbara Babka was nominated by her friend, Linda Block.

"Barbara and I met in 1976 during our first year at the University of California, Santa Barbara," said Block. "She always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. This past year, she completed her 38th year in education."

Ms. Babka was a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, and an AVID teacher at Judkins Middle School. In addition to teaching thousands of students over the course of her career, she has mentored countless student teachers, many who have become friends and colleagues. She has tirelessly spent decades teaching and learning with students who would've been written off by others. Her steadfast optimism, encouragement, diligence, and love for her students and the art and craft of teaching has changed lives. Under her care, students have gained confidence and competence. They have gone on to succeed in academics and, more importantly, in life. Below is a short video about Ms. Babka:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBg7Be9Aq60

This is from her local TV station in Pismo Beach. Ms. Babka was one two retiring teachers who was interviewed in light of the Distance Learning that happened across the state due to COVID 19 school closures. She stated the following about her career at Judkins, "It's been fantastic. We just love our students, and the staff is so positive...I will miss ending the year with my students, but I am a resiliant person, I'm embracing it with positivity."

"Barbara Babka has embraced teaching, learning, her colleagues, and most importantly, her thousands of students for almost four decades," said Block. "She truly is a LifeChanger."

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Comments (5)

Amalia Posted over a year ago

Barb is one of my dearest friends. I met her when I first started teaching middle school in her district, and we became fast friends with a love for students, life and the outdoors. Ever since I’ve known her, she has always chosen to see the glass half full. Even in the midst of frustration, she will always look for the good and choose the higher ground. She is loved by her students, especially the ones who have felt unloved and overlooked. I’m not sure what this Lifechanger award is, but it certainly describes her and her passion for others and for teaching.

Gina Tabelin Bigrigg Posted over a year ago

For anyone that doesn't know, my name is Gina and Barb Babka is my aunt. Our whole family was absolutely blessed the day my Uncle Bill met Barbie Gaffney. I was fortunate enough to have her come into my life when I was going through some pretty big changes. I dont know if she knows how important her love, guidance and friendship was to me at that time. She instilled a passion for learning and reading that still burns bright in me to this day almost 40 years later. My Aunt Barbie is so kind, loves us all unconditionally and I can always, and I mean ALWAYS, count on her for love and encouragement. I have always been beyond proud to call her my Aunt. She must have changed many lives, because I know she sure changed mine.

Linda Block Posted over a year ago

CONGRATULATIONS Barb! :)

Emily Paulson Posted over a year ago

Barbara is not only an excellent teacher, but she is a woman who shares kindness and generosity with all people she meets. Barbara is the mother of my best friend of almost twenty years. Barbara has shown me and my family constant love and support over the years. One of my favorite memories with Barbara happened almost ten years ago. She brought me as a surprise tagalong to visit her daughter living in Seattle. She knew we missed each other and that I couldn’t pay for the trip myself. The extent of her generosity and thoughtfulness to include me on their family visit was incredible. I am lucky to have had Barbara in my life all these years!

Barbara Babka Posted over a year ago

I have been so lucky to pick a career where I could truly attempt to make a difference. I taught a family literacy class at night for over ten years, I mentored more than a dozen student teachers, and every day I tried to connect with the kids in my seats. I love literature so being an English teacher was perfect for me. Through the beauty of the written word, I made my bid for the attention of students. If just one student learned to love reading and writing, it was worth it. I also used historical events like the Holocaust to connect to the humanity of us all and how we all need to be empathetic.