A career focused on “creating a fun, loving, enriching environment in the classroom” is how fellow teacher Michelle Farmer describes Staci Barker, Oak Grove Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022.
Barker, with 14 years in the Poplar Bluff R-I District, holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early-childhood education and a master’s degree in reading instruction from Arkansas State University.
She’s taught both first and second grade in Poplar Bluff, and since 2016, has been the reading and math instructional interventionist at Oak Grove.
“Ms. Barker creates a love of learning and high expectations in all her students that she has the privilege of teaching,” said Farmer. “She takes an interest in all students — not just her students — and seeks out troubled students and helps them to create a feeling of self-worth.”
Second-grade teacher Whitney Conover nominated Barker for this year’s Teacher of the Year award, and said she “has a great rapport with all students. Ms. Barker is great at helping students see that they can be successful and encourages them to be their best.”
Third grade teacher Kristie Robinson said Barker “has a heart for students who need extra support or behavioral intervention,” and as an interventionist, she “works with various students and teachers throughout the day. She does a wonderful job bridging the gap of communication regarding students in reading intervention with their teachers.”
Barker “is a ray of sunshine in my daughter’s school day and we feel blessed to have her as part of our team,” said parent Sara Carrier. “I am forever grateful for the academic gains my child has made while working with Ms. Barker, but also the encouragement and positivity she gives to my daughter each and every day.”
Third grader Ace Luecke described Barker as “an amazing teacher. She makes school really fun and is always so happy to see the kids at school.”
Former student Bryce Millner said of Barker, “Although it’s been a while ago, I remember what a great teacher she was for me. Ms. Barker recognizes that not every student learns the same way and she taught so that we could all understand.”
While not at school, Barker stays busy with other activities.
She is the commissioner and a board member for the Optimist Soccer League, overseeing more than 1,200 young athletes in two seasons per year.
Barker is a longtime coach in the summer Buddy Ball program and is a volunteer for the Autism Speaks organization. She also is an active member of West Side Church of God, where she creates weekly curriculum for the elementary and pre-K classrooms.
Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series recognizing area Teachers of the Year from Butler County districts.