Mrs. Becky Long named Educator of Excellence

"Teaching at Badin is my ministry,"; said Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Long, freshman Religion teacher who has been named Badin's "Educator of Excellence"; in the 24th annual Harry T. Wilks "Hamilton Celebrates Education" program, sponsored by the Hamilton Community Foundation.

“Teaching is really about building connections with students and co-workers,” said Long, who has enjoyed those connections at BHS since the 2014-15 school year in what is actually her second stint at the co-ed Catholic high school on New London Road in Hamilton. “You need to create the type of space where students can create relationships with each other.

“It’s a safe space, but at the same time, you’re able to challenge a student’s intellect and creativity,” she added. “They need to learn how to be creative thinkers and feelers, because I think you need both of those in your faith life.”

“Becky Long is a perfect person to be teaching our freshman students,” BHS Principal Patrick Keating ’07 said. “She is one of the most welcoming and kind people you ever want to meet.

“Everything from the way her classroom is set up to the way she interacts with her students is done with intention – it’s no accident,” Keating added. “There’s no better way to teach about our faith and develop positive relationships with our students.”

Long’s recognition through the “Hamilton Celebrates Education” program includes a $1,000 grant for the Religion Department at Badin. She and other winning educators will be honored at a dinner at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Hamilton on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Long graduated from Mount St. Joseph University with a degree in English and Secondary Education. She later added a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from the school. She taught at Badin for five years – including serving as the school’s girls head volleyball coach after playing in college – then left for 13 years to help raise a family. When she returned a dozen years ago, she felt like her circumstances had improved her craft.

“I’m definitely a better teacher since being a mom,” she nodded. “It’s part of who I am and who God created me to be. Being understanding, demanding, a shoulder to cry on at times and someone who will call people out when necessary.”

Long and her husband, Rob, are the parents of six children – four are Badin High School graduates, one is a current junior at Badin, and one daughter, Kate, suddenly passed away at the age of 18 months in 2005.

“Those are the lessons we learn in life,” said Long, who does not hesitate to speak of her late daughter when she feels it is appropriate. “I see the world as bittersweet. There are hard times and there are great times in life and in the classroom. There can be hard times and there can be stress, but you can still find reasons to be grateful. There is the bitter, and the sweet. As an educator, I try to be the person who can help the students walk through both.”

Long has deftly created a freshman Religion curriculum that includes some lectures, yes, but also effectively encourages students to do their own research through technology and visual aids as she introduces them to the history of the Catholic Church and Hebrew scriptures.

“I love our Catholic traditions and heritage,” she said, though pointing out that Badin High School, with 745 students, is some 30 percent non-Catholic at this point. “I love that there are many ways to practice that. At the same time, there are many ways that non-Catholics can practice their faith. It’s a bit of a hodge-podge, but there’s lots of beauty in that.”

Long, who is also a regular on Badin student retreats and Christian Service outings through the Office of Mission and Ministry, called it, “a great honor to be recognized in this way at Badin. I’m hopeful and happy every day that I walk into Badin High School.

“It’s been especially lovely to hear from former and current students and co-workers after the announcement on Social Media,” she said. “The point is – I’m not who I am without all of them. It’s such a meaningful family at Badin – so many nice connections.”

Becky and her husband, Rob, are the parents of Sydney ’19, Paige ’21, Ty ’24, Colt ’26, and their youngest son, Ian, is a member of the Class of ’28. They live in Liberty Township.