MADISON – With experience from other states and districts, Lacie Ring will offer a fresh perspective as Elementary Math Specialist for Madison City Schools.

“I know the importance of good, quality mathematics instruction due to my experiences as both a student and educator,” Ring said. “I firmly believe that we have some of the best math teachers in the state of Alabama. I wanted the opportunity to work more closely with all of those fantastic educators.”

Ring will help in design and implementation of mathematics strategies to keep MCS among Alabama’s top districts. She will assist staff in interpreting data to improve student achievement, confirm that instruction aligns with state/local curricular frameworks and research instructional practices for teachers.

With eight years in education, Ring taught grades 4-8 in her hometown, Pittsburgh, Pa. and in Raleigh, N.C. Carolina. In 2016, she started teaching sixth-grade math at Mill Creek Elementary School and transitioned to Liberty Middle School.

At Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, W.V., she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education concentrating in theatre arts. She received a master’s degree in English as a second language at California University of Pennsylvania.

During her career, Ring best remembers math teacher Ed Vercoe. “He was an amazing educator — funny, sarcastic, witty and a little corny at times” and passionate about teaching and his students.

“Like all teachers, he wanted us to perform well in class but honestly cared more about us as people than as students. Mr. Vercoe attended almost all extracurricular sporting events, theater performances. He asked about all my basketball games,” Ring said.

“When my dad was diagnosed with cancer in my senior year, he asked me every single time how my dad was doing and if our family needed anything,” she said.

Vercoe used personal planning time to tutor students in math. At least 20 students would stop by for help or just to chat.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Vercoe passed away from cancer in 2012. His funeral was attended by hundreds of former students. Lines for viewing were wrapped around multiple blocks,” Ring said. “(Many) students wouldn’t recall specific math formulas from his class, but I guarantee they could recall when Mr. Vercoe reached out to them and made them feel noticed.”

Her husband Dan is a down coiler operator for Nucor Steel in Decatur. “We’re expecting our first child in April,” she said.

Ring is head coach for junior varsity basketball and assistant for varsity with James Clemens Lady Jets. She enjoys playing sports; rooting for Pittsburgh teams; cooking; playing with her dogs, Joey and Lucy; motorcycle riding with Dan; and spending time with friends and family.