Ray Barbosa Jr., Ed.D.
Associate Professor | Director of Graduate Education Programs in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction
Office: Old Main 444
Email: rbarbosa@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2685
Professional Profile
Dr. Ray Barbosa Jr. is a distinguished professional in the field of education, currently serving as Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and Principal Certification (M.Ed.). With a robust and diverse background spanning multiple years, Dr. Barbosa has undertaken various leadership roles and responsibilities throughout his career.
Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Barbosa was the Director of Principalship from 2018 to 2022. In his inaugural year at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in 2017, he also served as the Head of the Department of Education. His previous experience includes serving as the Coordinator of Migrant Services at the Region 16 Education Service Center in Amarillo, as a Loss Control District Manager, in Sales and Marketing, as a Project Manager, and as the Executive Director for Priests for Life Ministries in New York. Moreover, Dr. Barbosa has extensive experience as a K-12 educator, assistant principal, principal, and regional coordinator for both high schools and elementary schools within public school districts in the region.
Dr. Barbosa possesses an impressive educational background, including a Technical Degree in Production Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Business, a Master’s Degree, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He has pursued continuing education at several institutions, such as Amarillo College, Frank Phillips College, Texas Woman’s University, West Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University.
Alongside his extensive management experience, Dr. Barbosa is passionate about education and dedicated to helping individuals from diverse backgrounds advance their education to enhance their employability and contribute meaningfully to society. He is trilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL), which enables him to engage with diverse populations effectively.
Teaching and Related Service
Since commencing his coaching career in 1989, Dr. Barbosa has coached multiple sports at the K-12 level, including basketball, football, golf, soccer, and volleyball. He initially spent four years in private K-12 education before dedicating 13 years to public schools. During this time, he taught and coached in federal programs, participated in district testing, and worked in instructional curriculum and administration. In 2002, he began instructing seminarians on EL Civics and life discernment. Currently, Dr. Barbosa serves as an associate professor in the Master of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and Principalship Certification program at West Texas A&M University, where he is committed to serving students, faculty, and educators.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Barbosa’s research interests encompass a variety of topics, including at-risk schools, educational outcomes, ethics, instructional technology, leadership, migrant students, school culture, social justice, rural education, school effectiveness, and trauma-responsive practices in public school districts within the region.