Mrs. Jamie Ford: A Teacher Passionate About Science, Running, and Community

“I was completely floored,” Mrs. Jamie Ford laughs, recalling the moment she learned she was being recognized. While she remains humble about her accomplishments, her dedication to East Fairmont High School and the larger Fairmont community is truly remarkable.

For the past six years, East Fairmont High School has been more than just a workplace for Mrs. Ford; it’s been her “home away from home.” It’s where her infectious enthusiasm for science education collides with her love for running, creating an inspiring and impactful presence within the school’s hallways and beyond. Her commitment to hands-on learning has become a hallmark of her teaching, sparking a love for STEM in even the most hesitant students.

A Lifelong Love of Science

Mrs. Ford’s fascination with science blossomed long before her classroom days. A stint working at NASA solidified her passion, proving that the intricacies of the universe were more than just textbook concepts—they were a call to explore, question, and discover. This experience ignited a fire in her to share that same wonder and enthusiasm with young minds.

“Science is so much more than memorizing facts,” Mrs. Ford explains. “It’s about critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that are essential for success in any field.” Her classroom isn’t just about beakers and Bunsen burners; it’s a space where life lessons are brewed alongside scientific theories.

Teamwork becomes the norm as students huddle over experiments, learning to navigate the triumphs and tribulations of scientific exploration together. Organizational skills transform from tedious tasks into essential tools for managing complex projects and analyzing data. And respect for others? That’s the bedrock of any successful scientific endeavor, and it’s something Mrs. Ford emphasizes every step of the way.

Sharing the Joy of Running

When she’s not immersed in the world of science, you can often find Mrs. Ford pounding the pavement. A dedicated runner, she tackles everything from 5Ks and 10Ks to half marathons with an infectious energy that spills over into her role as East Fairmont High School’s beloved cross-country coach.

Her dedication to the sport extends beyond the track, too. As a member of the Fairmont Hash House Harriers, a local running club known for its social runs and adventurous spirit, Mrs. Ford embraces the camaraderie and challenge that come with pushing personal limits and exploring new trails. This love for running is something she’s deeply passionate about sharing with her students.

Sharing the Joy of Running

When she’s not immersed in the world of science, you can often find Mrs. Ford pounding the pavement. A dedicated runner, she tackles everything from 5Ks and 10Ks to half marathons with an infectious energy that spills over into her role as East Fairmont High School’s beloved cross-country coach.

“Running has always been my outlet, my way to de-stress and clear my head,” she shares, her eyes lighting up. “Being able to share that with my students, to see them discover the same joy and sense of accomplishment, is incredibly rewarding.”

Her dedication to the sport extends beyond the track, too. As a member of the Fairmont Hash House Harriers, a local running club known for its social runs and adventurous spirit, Mrs. Ford embraces the camaraderie and challenge that come with pushing personal limits and exploring new trails. This love for running is something she’s deeply passionate about sharing with her students.

“It’s not just about winning races,” Mrs. Ford insists, “though we do love a good victory!” Her coaching philosophy centers around building a strong team spirit, instilling a solid work ethic, and, most importantly, fostering a love for the sport that extends far beyond the high school track. And it’s a philosophy that’s paying off. Under her guidance, the East Fairmont High School cross-country team continues its legacy of success, racking up impressive finishes in regional competitions and sending runners to state championships.

Engaging with the Fairmont Community

Mrs. Ford’s commitment to education and her students doesn’t stop at the classroom door. She’s a firm believer in the power of community engagement, constantly seeking opportunities to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. One such opportunity arose through a unique partnership with FirstEnergy, a local energy company with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Together, Mrs. Ford’s botany class and FirstEnergy’s Green Team embarked on an ambitious project: transforming a neglected patch of land on school grounds into a vibrant pollinator garden. The students, armed with shovels, seedlings, and a shared passion for environmental stewardship, got to work. Over several weeks, they transformed the barren earth into a 100ft x 20ft oasis teeming with life—a testament to their hard work and a vibrant testament to the power of collaboration.

But the project’s impact extended far beyond beautification. The garden became a living laboratory, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in “citizen science” by collecting data on pollinator activity, plant growth, and biodiversity. “It was amazing to see them connect the dots,” Mrs. Ford recalls, “to understand that science isn’t just something you read about in textbooks—it’s all around us.”

This commitment to hands-on, community-based learning is further exemplified through Mrs. Ford’s role as the school’s Bee Keeper Advisor. Under her watchful eye, two beehives, buzzing with activity, have found a home on the school grounds, serving as a constant reminder of the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem and our food supply. “We’re not just teaching them about science,” Mrs. Ford explains, “we’re teaching them to be responsible citizens, to understand the interconnectedness of all living things.”

A Summer of Continued Passion

As the school year draws to a close, Mrs. Ford shows no signs of slowing down. Summer, for her, isn’t about kicking back and relaxing; it’s about pursuing her passions and planning new adventures for herself and her students. Cross-country training is already underway, and she’s buzzing with excitement for the upcoming season, eager to see her runners hit the ground running (literally!).

And then there are her personal running goals. This summer, she’s set her sights on conquering off-road trail races, pushing her physical and mental limits amidst the beauty of nature. “There’s something so freeing about running through the woods,” she shares, “it’s a different kind of challenge, a different kind of peace.”

For Mrs. Ford, work and passion blend seamlessly, creating a life filled with purpose and joy. “It hardly feels like work when you love what you do,” she admits with a smile. And it’s that infectious enthusiasm, that unwavering dedication to her students and her community, that makes Mrs. Jamie Ford so much more than just a teacher—she’s an inspiration.