It's Wildcat Wednesday! Every Wednesday, we will spotlight a member of the LR Wildcat family.

This week we are introducing you to Joshua Ballard!

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Job Title:
5^th Grade Teacher

Tell us about your family: 
My wife and I were high school sweethearts and got married in 2022. A few years later, we welcomed our daughter into our lives. Of course, our dog, Juniper, is still technically our “firstborn”! After spending the last six years in Kansas City, we decided to move to Springfield last summer to be closer to family. We’ve loved being closer to our families and starting this new chapter together.

How long have you been a teacher/worked in education?
7 years. 5 as a classroom teacher and 2 as a building substitute. 

What makes you passionate about education?
I’m passionate about education because I love building meaningful relationships with students and their families. I love knowing that I have the opportunity to make a direct impact on a student’s happiness, sense of belonging, and success.

What is your must-have classroom item?
I am big on timers! They help keep me and my students on track and teach us how to manage our time wisely. 

If you had to choose a different grade/subject to teach, what would it be?
I spent the last 4 years in 3rd grade and loved it. My favorite subject to teach used to be math. 

What is something about you that might surprise people?
I originally graduated with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and had dreams of becoming a sports writer. While my career took me in a different direction, I still love writing and following sports!

What is one item on your bucket list?
Become good enough at golf that I can stop blaming my clubs.

Joshua, we’re so glad to have you at LR!