“Caring, inspirational, and graceful” were the first words that came to mind when colleagues reflected on who Barbara Bilderback is. After 34 years of teaching and 18 years at CHS, Bilderback has established herself as an integral part of the English department. She is the one who makes everyone feel safe and welcome, whether that is new colleagues, old friends, or her students. Bilderback constantly puts others before herself in every capacity. English teacher Maria Zavala explained it best. 

“She shapes the English department and our school with vision and grace,” Zavala said. “She advocates for not only her English learner students, but also her colleagues.”

Bilderback has had a deep, profound impact on her colleagues. Social Science teacher Beth Bodnar and Bilderback first became friends while serving in the Peace Corps in 1988, long before they began teaching. Bodnar explained how even in Mauritania, a country in Northwest Africa, Bilderback was a mother figure. 

“She lived in the capital, and we all lived out in the villages, and whenever we would come to town, she would always be so welcoming and so generous, not only with her knowledge of teaching, but also as a friend,” Bodnar said. 

Years after their time together, fate would have it that they both ended up back together in Claremont and are as close as ever. 

“It’s been an unbelievable gift to have a historical friend,” Bodnar said. “I hope all students will try to keep a friend from high school, there’s nothing in the world like a friend who has known you forever, and Barbara is one of those loyal friends who will always be there for you.”

After being in the Peace Corps and through her exceptional resume, Bilderback was immediately hired at CHS. English and TOK teacher David Chamberlain detailed his first impression of her. 

“I remember sitting in that interview thinking to myself, this is a great lady, and if we do not get her on this campus, hired as a teacher, that’s going to be a horrible mistake,” Chamberlain said. 

Since that moment, she has left a lasting impact on both colleagues and students. At CHS, Bilderback has focused her efforts on helping English learners. 

“I teach the English learners who are already learning a new language and culture, getting them plugged into their new adopted home is really rewarding,” Bilderback said. 

For every holiday, she takes the extra step and immerses her students in American culture. Zavala believes that it showcases her view that teaching is more than a job, but a way to make a positive difference in people’s lives. 

“She throws a Friendsgiving for her English learner students,” Zavala said. “It’s so sweet to see that she brings in pies and introduces them to American traditions.” 

English teacher Nazareth Martinez detailed how Bilderback’s passion is evident in her unwavering commitment to service in all aspects of her life.

“I’ve never seen someone care so much about so many things, and really devote themselves fully to each of them,” Martinez said. 

Driven by her love for teaching, Bilderback has carried her passion out of the classroom. On top of being an exemplary teacher, Bilderback has also been influential in creating a close-knit community of colleagues at CHS.

“If you do something that you love to do, […] it’s natural that you’re going to make relationships with the people as well,” Bilderback said. 

To her colleagues, Bilderback is a source of knowledge and inspiration. Her impact is undeniable and irreplaceable. 

“She’s definitely been like a mom to me on campus and outside of campus in different capacities,” Martinez said. 

Infamous for her get-togethers and out-of-this-world cooking, Bilderback has taken it upon herself to ensure that relationships not only remain at work but also carry into all aspects of life. Chamberlain fondly recalls how Bilderback has shaped the environment of CHS staff relationships. 

“She reminds me how special it is to not only work with somebody as a colleague, but then how that sort of work relationship can turn into a real friendship, and the joy that that brings,” Chamberlain said.

The legacy that Bilderback leaves behind with her students, colleagues, and friends at CHS will undoubtedly stay with them for life. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to building meaningful relationships are reflected in the admiration her colleagues hold for her. As she moves into the next chapter of her life, she hopes to leave her community with one piece of parting advice.

 “My advice for life, I guess, find your people,” Bilderback said. 

Though sad to see her depart, CHS wishes Bilderback nothing but the best in her future, and will continue to be inspired by her.