November 2022 Educator of the Month

Superintendent, Ms. Tammy Chavis, is thrilled to announce that Mrs. Regina Barker, First Grade Teacher at Brookville Elementary School, has been selected as November’s “Educator of the Month.” 

Mrs. Barker has been an educator for 22 years, all of which have been with the Franklin County Community Schools. Gina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University East.and also holds a Certificate in Reading Recovery and Comprehensive Intervention Model (CIM) through Purdue University. 

Gina was nominated for this honor by a parent. When asked why Mrs. Barker should be considered for this recognition, the parent responded, “Mrs. Barker has a way with students. She is silly, kind hearted, fun, and keeps her students learning. I have a child in her class that faces anxiety on a daily basis. This year, my child has flourished due to Mrs. Barker. She looks at students for who they are and finds a way to meet them in the middle. She adapts instruction when needed but does so in a way there is always student engagement. She just gets it. She knows all students are not going to learn the same and that all students have their own personal struggles. She takes what we view as struggles and highlights them in a way I never knew possible. I can proudly say my child absolutely loves school and looks forward to seeing Mrs. Barker each and every day. It should also be noted you can often find Mrs. Barker helping out others. My child first took to Mrs. Barker last year when she would visit her classroom just to have some fun with the Kindergarten students. She takes time to get to know students who she knows will never step foot in her classroom. I have seen her at athletic events for her students, community outings that are raising money, and sometimes she even runs to the store to get the Danz Catz makeup or props when they are in the thick of a competition.” 

Outside of school, Gina admires quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys golfing in her “free time.” 

When asked what she loves most about her job, Mrs. Barker responded, “I love watching my students grow throughout the year. From the moment they walk into my classroom until they walk out, their growth (both academically and emotionally) is unbelievable. Watching them grow into independent, confident students is what I strive for each year. Knowing that I may have left some impact on my students is the most rewarding part of my job!” 
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.