October Educator of the Month
Superintendent, Dr. Debbie Howell, recently announced that Mr. Tim Barricklow, FCHS Science Teacher and Department Chair as been named as October’s “Educator of the Month”.
Mr. Barricklow graduated as a Spartan from Connersville High School. He attended Hanover College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a license to teach both science and mathematics. Following his graduation from Hanover, Mr. Barricklow returned to Connersville to begin his teaching career as a science teacher at Connersville Jr. High. In 1996, he completed his Master of Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Eventually, Mr. Barricklow found his place at Franklin County High School where he has been teaching science for 21 years.
Mr. Barricklow was nominated for this recognition by a current student. The student writes, “I have had Mr. Barricklow as a teacher for two years now in class and have known him through FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). He is a teacher that goes above and beyond in his lessons. He is always motivating students, helping to make sure that they excel, returning homework question emails late at night or early in the morning, and teaching with a style that helps students learn to their full potential. His classes are not what one could consider “easy”, but throughout he makes sure you grow stronger with time management skills in order to get the job done. I feel that this educator does fantastic with his students and that he truly makes an impact on each and every one of their educational careers.”
In addition to his teaching assignments at Franklin County High School, Mr. Barricklow is Science Department Chair, coaches the Science Academic Team, and sponsors the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In the community, he and his wife, Jacque, also a teacher at Franklin County High School, are active in their church and with youth/teen programs.
The nominating student noted that “Mr. Barricklow is a dedicated and hardworking educator. He always has a friendly hello and makes you feel in place.” This sentiment is evidenced by the other awards and honors he has received during his career such as ISTAR Teacher, Teacher of the Year Nominee at Connersville Jr. High School, and the Earl Brooks Award from the Indiana Audubon Society.
When not teaching at FCHS or working with youth at his church Mr. Barricklow finds time work as an IHSAA Basketball Official. He also enjoys carpentry, mechanical work, sports, being outdoors, and just recently started his own solar project to supplement his home’s electricity.
When asked why he enjoys teaching, Mr. Barricklow replied, “The students keep me young. Sharing the experiences that I have had with the students. Showing students there is a need for what teachers are teaching them. Watching a senior graduate, that as a freshman, you know they have such a long way to go. Watching a student with no family support, economic support, or just a lousy life deal make it …that really gets me back in the door.”
The purpose of the “Educator of the Month” program is to recognize outstanding Franklin County educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the school, dedication to the students, and involvement in the community. Nomination forms for “Educator of the Month” can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us.