She has taught in five districts in Oregon and one community college. Subjects taught have been as varied as the age of students she has taught. Mrs. Phillips graduated in 1979 from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She began her teaching career in Bend, Oregon teaching English, drama, and speech to middle school children. Her first group of “kids” are 44 this year. In 1983, Rita completed her Master’s program at Oregon State University.