Hulbert Public Schools

Congratulations Hulbert High School Teacher of the Year - Loni Ratliff!

Loni Ratliff has been a dedicated educator at Hulbert Public Schools for four years, bringing passion and commitment to her role as an English teacher, student council sponsor, and newspaper. She credits several influential mentors for shaping her career, starting with her husband, Mr. Ratliff. As both her best friend and professional sounding board, he exemplifies what it means to love one’s work, always finding the best in every situation. His enthusiasm for teaching and his students is something Loni deeply admires.

Her brothers, Coaches Jos McClure and Roger McClure, have also been a source of inspiration, demonstrating pure passion for their coaching careers, something she hopes to match in her own teaching. Another key mentor is Mrs. Sanders, who is always there with answers, support, and guidance whenever needed. Loni aspires to be that same kind of reliable presence for her colleagues one day.

Reflecting on her time as a student, two teachers made a lasting impression: Ms. Blandon and Coach Riley. Ms. Blandon pushed her to reach her full potential, while Coach Riley’s passion for teaching showed just how fulfilling the profession could be. The impact they had on her, making her feel supported, encouraged, and valued, is something she now strives to provide for her own students.

Among her many memorable teaching moments, one of the funniest occurred during her first year. A sixth-grade student misheard a conversation about another teacher retiring and, with complete sincerity, asked if Mrs. Ratliff was the one retiring. When she jokingly said YES, the student earnestly responded that he would miss her but also wondered why she was retiring so early in her career.

If there were a theme song that played every morning on her way to work, it would be Vacation by Dirty Heads. The lyrics—“I’m on vacation, every single day ’cause I love my occupation”—perfectly capture her passion for teaching and the joy she finds in her work.