It doesn’t take long to see why Dorothy Ruffin has always seemed to gravitate toward children and why they appear to do the same.
Kind, warm and visibly caring, Ruffin, a teacher assistant at Hay Branch Elementary School is a Killeen ISD STEEL Award winner for October.
The district awards two of the honors a month based on nominations. STEEL stands for Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners.
Interim Superintendent King Davis joined a group of senior district leaders, board members and campus staff members in surprising Ruffin with the circular steel plaque as first grade students cheered their approval.
She began as a Sunday School teacher, became a pre-school teacher, a substitute teacher, then graduated from college as a certified teacher in Oregon and later became a chaplain, worked in a hospital, worked again as a substitute teacher and then moved into a teacher assistant role.
Last year, Ruffin moved into the classroom of an ill teacher at Hay Branch, where she finished out the school year and this year she has continued to work throughout the school where needed.
“It is a joy to go in the different classes and just to execute the plan. That’s what I do. I love to help the teachers. Being a teacher myself, I know it helps. Every little bit helps. Being a teacher is not easy. When you have help, it is a wonderful thing.”
She enjoys helping students figure out phonics and learn to read and also to walk in a straight line down the hallway, to navigate the cafeteria and to use the restroom correctly.
Earning an award for her work was a huge surprise.
“It was overwhelming. It was beautiful,” she said of the surprise presentation. “I was doing my best, and someone recognized me. I got overwhelmed and teary. I was happy and excited. I can’t explain it. I thank God.”
Principal Carolyn Dugger nominated Ruffin, who she said, “has a true passion for the students who come into her life.”
When she took over for a teacher who was unable to finish the year due to illness, the able assistant successfully guided the class to surpass their goals.
“She is truly called to serve,” said Dugger in the nomination. “She truly makes a beautiful difference in our world.”