:: Foothill Christian Schools ::

Barbara Basham
Fifth Grade Teacher
Ms. Basham pictured here with Angels on Earth, a youth publication of Guideposts Magazine. In 1998, Angels on Earth featured a story written by Robert Kimble, a former student in Ms. Basham’s sixth grade class at Pomona First Baptist School. It was Robert’s personal account about how God used Ms. Basham to speak powerful words of encouragement into his young, impressionable life...words that he would later draw upon to help him through one of life’s most trying moments. To request a copy of the article, contact eFlourish@foothillchristian.org or call our Development Office.

When Barbara Basham began teaching fifth grade at Foothill in 1998, she strongly desired to see her students grow closely together as a family throughout the year. “I love the bond that is created each year,” she says. From her own painful past, Ms. Basham understands the importance of letting each student show her who they want to be, without judgment based on what others have said or what she has heard. “It is a new year and a new beginning for them.”

Growing up in Indiana, Ms. Basham dreamed of living in California one day, but never imagined that a family tragedy would be the catalyst for that move. While in her late teens, she experienced unspeakable pain of loss when her teenage brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. “My parents had raised me in a Christian environment and had taught me Christian principles. When I was at my lowest point,” she remembers, “I knew in my heart that I needed to get right with God.” Realizing that fact, she rededicated her life to Christ and began seeking a new life direction. Her path would ultimately lead her to California and an opportunity to attend Bible College. “I literally left my old life behind me,” she said. “No one knew me in California. I was able to be who I wanted to be; not what others thought of me.” It was a time to rediscover a deep-seated love that she had for working with kids, as well as a season to grow and hear God’s calling in her life to teach children. In 1983, her career began when she accepted a student teaching position at Calvary Christian School in Yorba Linda.

Working with children, helping them grow and watching them succeed is a passion that has only increased over time. Licensed with PACE (Processing and Cognitive Enhancement) and specially trained in Samonas (Sound Therapy Program), Ms. Basham is today well qualified to help struggling students. Serving as Spelling Bee Coordinator, she has energetically coached a number of our students into ACSI regional, state and national competition. In the midst of her full and very busy life, she will always make room in her schedule for tutoring students one-on-one. “Sometimes,” she reflects, “I am there to listen to them and to build them up.” It is a trait that comes very natural to Ms. Basham and you can bet that it will always come straight from the heart!

More Spotlight Articles...