Shining a Light on Beth Barker, St. Agnes 2nd Grade Teacher

A recent walk past SAA 2^nd grade teacher Beth Barker’s classroom door told us all we needed to know about the impactful things happening in her class. A note from a former student, lovingly taped to the outside of her door read “You’re the nicest teacher I ever met. I wish I could be in your class again.” 

Mrs. Barker’s students love to learn, and they love her. Take a minute to get to know her a little better and discover how she lifts her girls up academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I have been teaching for 28 years and have been at St. Agnes since 2008. I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Elementary Education, with focus on Reading Instruction.

I’ve been married to David Barker for 26 years. My daughter is a proud graduate of St. Agnes and is currently completing her first year of medical school. My son graduated from St. Dominic and is finishing his freshman year at Sewanee. Their experiences at SAA-SDS provided an exceptional foundation that has prepared them well for success in the next chapters of their lives.

Why did you become an educator?

I've always had a heart for children and a passion for helping them grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Teaching allows me to be part of that beautiful process. I knew early on that I wanted to make a difference in young lives, and being an educator allows me to do that daily. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a child discover her strengths and realize her potential.

What makes the single-gender experience at SAA so effective for learning?

At SAA, our all-girls environment empowers students to take risks, speak up, and be themselves. Without the pressure of gender dynamics, our girls are more willing to try new things, lead with confidence, and support one another. This fosters a strong sense of sisterhood and allows us to tailor our instruction in ways that truly speak to how girls learn best—through collaboration, creativity, and compassion.

What are your goals for your second graders, and how do you accomplish that?
My biggest goal is to nurture a love of learning while helping each girl grow into a confident, curious, and kind individual. Academically, I want my students to build a solid foundation in literacy and math and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Spiritually, I hope they deepen their faith and recognize the value of kindness and service. I accomplish this through a structured, nurturing environment, hands-on learning, and encouragement. I believe in meeting each child where she is and helping her grow.

What are some of the ways you foster academic skill development and growth in your students?
I use a variety of strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners—differentiated instruction, small group work, and interactive lessons that make learning fun and meaningful. I also emphasize goal setting and reflection, even at this young age, to help the girls take ownership of their learning. Consistent communication with parents and a strong classroom routine help reinforce the skills we’re developing. And, of course, celebrating big and small successes keeps everyone motivated.

More than just teaching academic skills, you do so much to build the girls’ confidence and soft skills. Why is that important to you?
Who they are becoming matters as much as what they are learning. Confidence, empathy, resilience, and respect are the qualities that will carry them through life. I want my students to believe in themselves, feel empowered to lead, speak up with kindness, and bounce back from challenges. Building these soft skills in a safe, loving environment lays the foundation for strong, compassionate women of faith who will go on to do amazing things in the world.