Mr. Ralph Humphrey or Chief Humphrey as many of the Carl Albert students know him as, has spent the last 10 years as an educator in the Mid-Del school district. Chief Humphrey had a long career in the United States Air Force and landed at Carl Albert High School after retiring from the service.
“After a 30-year career in Air Force Combat Control Teams, I moved back to Oklahoma where I got my first teaching position in the Carl Albert JROTC program. I was a JROTC Aerospace Science Instructor for four years,” said Humphrey.
Being part of the faculty at Carl Albert has been rewarding for Chief Humphrey.
“The most rewarding part is my students and working with their families to teach the best subject, geometry, to each student. The positive connection teachers have with their students and families is a huge reward,” said Humphrey.
Mr. Humphrey received the Teacher of the Year award last year and was honored to be bestowed such an honor.
“This award and the entire award process was outstanding. The recognition and selection by fellow teachers throughout the process means the world to me. I believe with all my heart that teachers are called to serve. This award makes the calling even more special. Principal Goggans was right there with my family when the final selection was announced, super fun,” said Humphrey.
Away from school you can usually find Mr. Humphrey spending time with his wife Kathy in the outdoors.
“She will tell you I love PT (Physical Training). Running, biking, and most recently obstacle course racing. I have a back-yard obstacle course that is something to see,” said Humphrey.
Mr. Humphrey said there have been many people who served as a mentor to him over the years.
“It’s not hard to see who the outstanding teachers are in your school. Reach out to these teachers and they will stop on a dime to answer your question or share a lesson. Principal Krystal Ross has been my supervising principal for several years; and a great source of support, and a sounding board for some of my crazy ideas. She was a math teacher for years so relates to the classroom issues perfectly,” said Humphrey. “My department lead and instructional coach Colin White has been there for me from the smallest of requests to innovative approaches to teaching math. A man of few words and an occasional running buddy. I can’t finish this question without mentioning Principal Goggans. Her leadership and support for me and my family have been stellar. Transitioning from JROTC to math Principal G. had me covered, can’t thank her enough.”
