03 May 2023 501Der Women 2023: Rebecca Crass

From the first time she worked with children, Rebecca Crass knew her calling was to become a teacher. “I love kids,” she said. “I love seeing a student who feels like they can’t learn realize that they can. I enjoy being creative and getting students excited about reading and writing by creating songs, silly costumes, games, or turning my classroom into a Parisian café, a ballpark or dust storm to introduce a novel.”

From helping start her district’s inclusion program to pursuing her master’s degree in reading, Rebecca has never shied away from putting in the work to make learning fun. “I decided to pursue my master’s degree in reading because I felt ill-equipped to help my students in the area a majority of them struggled with,” she said. “I became passionate about making a subject many students found hard or boring seem less intimidating and perhaps even fun!”

For Rebecca, the rewards of her labor are endless. “My biggest accomplishments will always be my students,” she said. “I have former students who have become award-winning tattoo artists, personal chefs for the governor and students who have attended Harvard and Bryn Mawr College studying genetics! Receiving a graduation invitation, a thank-you note, an email or simply a sweet drawing are my greatest rewards. I once had a student write to me, ‘Mrs. Crass, you told me if I couldn’t believe in myself to take some of your belief in me, so I did!’ What greater reward is there than that?”

Reflecting on her career, Rebecca attributes her ambition and success to her biggest role model: her mother. “My mother was one of the strongest women I’ve ever known,” she said. “She believed in me and did whatever it took to make sure I could pursue my dream of going to college and becoming a teacher.”

With the right inspiration, Rebecca believes that women can reach their goals. “Don’t let anything keep you from achieving your dreams,” she said. “I am the first person in my family to obtain a college degree. Don’t simply get a job. Pursue your passion. You will never be fulfilled with a job, but you will be fulfilled by following your calling.”

Rebecca is married to Shaun Crass. She is the proud mom of seven children. Hunter, Hannah, Keely, Kayden, Ryder, Rydge and Rowen. She has one son-in-law, James Tucker, who is married to Keely. She recently welcomed her first granddaughter, Lily.

Contact Rebecca at 501.679.1030 or [email protected].