Influential Woman · Education and Academic Services
Dr. Ruth Baskerville
President / CEO, Waverly's Way Tutoring
Winter Garden, FL 34787
God's "Plan B" fulfills my heart's desires, so He closes the doors I'm vigorously kicking to open "Plan A." Yay, God!
Dr. Ruth Baskerville · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Dr. Ruth
Dr. Ruth Baskerville is a retired educator, school administrator, author, editor, ghostwriter, mentor, and entrepreneur with an impressive 50-year career in education. She began her career as an English teacher in New Jersey and progressed through leadership positions including assistant principal, principal, curriculum and personnel administrator, and human resources professional. She earned her undergraduate degree from Fredonia State University and her master’s and doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University. Throughout her career, Dr. Ruth became recognized for strengthening school culture and helping struggling schools achieve significant academic and organizational improvement.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Ruth is the President and CEO of Waverly’s Way Academic Assistance, which provides tutoring and academic support to learners from kindergarten through doctoral levels. Founded in 2019 and named in honor of her late husband, Waverly’s Way reflects her commitment to helping students master skills, complete assignments, and reach their educational goals. She also supports aspiring authors through coaching, editing, ghostwriting, and guidance throughout the publishing process. Her accomplishments include helping transform low-performing schools, receiving Principal of the Year honors, and supporting numerous authors, including 92 who have gone on to publish their work.
Beyond education and entrepreneurship, Dr. Ruth remains deeply involved in the literary and professional community. She serves as President of the Central Florida Writers and Publishers Guild, where she helps aspiring and established writers develop their skills through educational programs, speakers, and events. She is also working on her fourth book, Climate Change, while continuing to mentor others and contribute to charitable and community organizations. Dr. Ruth’s career reflects a lasting passion for education, leadership, writing, and service, and she continues to encourage others—particularly women—to trust their abilities, pursue new opportunities confidently, and use their talents to make a meaningful difference.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Ruth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I was always driven to succeed, finding my strength in academics. My sincerity, above my credentials, has connected me with young and old persons. I have a heart for service, striving "to be more like Jesus by bedtime!" I believe that I have an assignment on this earth and must fulfill it before I return to spirit. So, while I'm here, I will connect with uplifting women like those in Influential Women. I always glean more than I impart, and for that I am grateful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Perseverance, honesty, grit are essential to advance my career, but there will always be "spiritual warriors" along my path -- ancestors who will ensure my success because my career advancement is tied to someone else's journey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Step out today on faith and confidence. Don't second-guess yourself or allow anyone to minimize yourself in YOUR eyes. Assume you belong in the room. Be bold with strength, no shrinking back. "You got this!"
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Even before COVID, students around the country and the world were showing signs academic weakness, particularly in reading and math. This was, and still is true among all classes of young learners. I recently learned that students no longer read novels for the beauty of language, plot, and theme. Instead, only preparation for standardized test mastery matters, so even in honors classes, students have targeted reading passages from the classics. The goal is only to pass the test, which is shameful. My success in turning failing schools around came from setting high standards and then being a caring resource to help students, including college students to meet that standard. Test prep for a number score is "criminal" in my professional and personal estimation. We can do more and better. Sadly, I don't run the Department of Education, which under the current administration is being eliminated. I will stop right here.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is paramount in all my relationships. Honesty and a heart to help build up and not tear down matters to me. I honor God first, I pray over situations and people because I have seen miracles, signs and wonders right in front of me.
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