Those who choose teaching as an occupation do so out of complete devotion to help others learn, grow, and thrive within the classroom. Although teachers do not expect any form of additional compensation for their hard work and dedication, it does not mean that there are not teachers who deserve it. With this in mind, the Claremont Faculty Association (CFA), an organization that represents teachers, counselors, and nurses of the school district, elects several educators or staff members every year for the EPIC Awards (Educational Professionals Inspiring Colleagues). The EPIC Award was designed to acknowledge those in the CFA who have exceeded the expectations set for them in both their everyday jobs and within the CFA. This year’s recipients includes one of CHS’s most talented teachers, Barbara Bilderback.

Bilderback, along with taking on the role of general IB CAS advisor, is a freshman English teacher that also teaches the English Language Learners (ESL) program for students that are learning English for the first time. While teaching for more than 30 years, she has acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of education. In addition to her teachings at CHS, Bilderback is also the secretary for the CFA. During her six year term as the association’s secretary, Bilderback has spent the past five years working hard to organize all of the official correspondence and minutes of the union, so now all of the work is well organized by date and easy to locate for future reference. She believes that this, along with her dedication to teaching, is what brought the association to nominate her for the award.

“Ms. Bilderback is a great example of a classroom teacher with a phenomenal program for English language learners, and she is an outstanding union leader, as our secretary of the Claremont Faculty Association,” Claremont Faculty Association President Dave Chamberlain said.

Bilderback, along with Sumner Elementary teacher Jason Remedios and Chaparral Elementary teacher Anne Dieken, received their EPIC Awards at a ceremony on March 23. As this is only the third year that these awards have been held, Bilderback was immensely grateful to receive it.

“I was surprised and of course pleased as everybody wants to be well-thought of. I do love my job, I love teaching here and I love actually working with my colleagues in the union. It’s nice to be appreciated for something that you like doing,” Bilderback said.

Teachers like Bilderback and others that deserve the EPIC Award are the kind of teachers that keep schools and communities running smoothly. They go the extra mile to ensure the highest level of education and preparedness for their students, as they work to improve Claremont for students, fellow teachers, and the community as a whole.