MADISON – Erica Ogle believes her job is the best. Ogle is “2023 Staff Member of the Year” at Rainbow Elementary School.

“I was so honored that my colleagues not only nominated me but also voted for me to receive this award,” Ogle said. “I am not any more deserving than any other staff member in the building!”

Ogle has worked solely at Rainbow since signing on with Madison City Schools in January 2013. She has taught fifth-graders, worked with extended day and served as Auxiliary Teacher for First Class Pre-Kindergarten. For four years, she has worked as clerical aide.

For her work ethic, Ogle “gets my work done, but I like to have a good time. No one is going to leave the office with a frown. I truly believe that if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.”

“Some days when the work piles up, you have to laugh it off and realize it will still be there tomorrow,” she said.

“I get to interact with all the students, their families and all of the faculty and staff,” Ogle said. “I love being the one someone sees or interacts with when they enter Rainbow.”

This year, Ogle experienced the feeling of success by making all new families feel welcome at Rainbow. “I take as much time as they need to get them in the doors and comfortable leaving their child with us,” she said. “No question is dumb. If I don’t know the answer to a question, I’ll find someone who does.”

Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Ogle moved to Madison during her freshman year and enrolled at Bob Jones High School. She earned degrees at Calhoun Community College, Athens State University and University of Alabama in Huntsville.

She and husband David married in September 2011. “We have one daughter, Aubrey Ogle. She just finished fourth grade at Rainbow Elementary,” Erica said.

“I truly am a lifelong learner. If college weren’t so expensive, I would be a professional student. I love gaining knowledge about new topics,” Erica said.

“One of my main interests right now is advocating for educators,” Erica said. “I enjoy learning about new topics that arise in education and finding out how it will affect educators now and in the future.”