ANDREA BARRY
Earhart Environmental Magnet
Wichita Public Schools
Andrea Barry’s first glimpse of Earhart Environmental Magnet was volunteering as a monster in the annual Fall Festival’s hayrack ride. The next year, she wanted her oldest child to attend the school, and after that, it was history! She decided to go back to school to become a teacher because of what she had seen in the classrooms at Earhart.
Nominator Jesse Milne said Barry constantly goes above and beyond what is expected and “sets a standard of excellence that most teachers follow and replicate.” Barry has three core beliefs about teaching: children can learn more from their peers, equity in the classroom is crucial, and students can learn inside and outside of the classroom.
Another nominator called Barry a great role model for new teachers working at Earhart Environmental Magnet School, but even more importantly, a mentor for student teachers.
Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
