Growing up on a small farm in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Ms. Amy Barker learned the values of hard work and the importance of taking care of our environment at an early age. Now, as an Environmental Justice teacher at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, she brings that same passion for education and life to her classroom.
After earning her degree in Classical Archaeology from the University of Michigan, followed by a master’s degree in Latin, she worked at the University of Chicago in the development office. After that, she worked as a writer at Oakland University by covering stories. Barker also taught at University of Michigan as a part of her graduate school training which was followed by six years of teaching at Cranbrook. Her decision to teach at U of D Jesuit was influenced by her personal connection to the school: “My son attended here, and I saw firsthand how well it prepares students for college,” she explains. “I wanted to teach at a school that aligns with my values.”
Ms. Barker’s classroom is known for its transparent atmosphere, where students are encouraged to engage deeply with the material through graded discussions. Her teaching style mixes enthusiasm with participation.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Barker lives an active lifestyle. She enjoys running and has completed two half marathons. Tennis is another one of her passions, and when she’s not on the court, she loves to travel, especially to Crete, Greece, being her favorite destination because, “it has the best combination of history, archaeology, ruggedness, and natural beauty”.
Food also holds a special place in her heart, especially ice cream. “I’m celiac, so I can’t eat a lot of things, but ice cream is a treat I always enjoy,” she says with a smile. When it comes to music, Ms. Barker has a diverse taste, with artists like Lorde, Olivia Rodrigo, and Noah Kahan at the top of her library. When recalling her high school days, she explains that “attending football games with friends” was her fondest memory.
If you were to ask Ms. Barker what she thinks about herself, she would say she is warm, loyal, and empathetic. Ms. Barker is a figure of support for her students. One unique talent she possesses is her ability to play the piccolo, with her favorite piece being the Michigan fight song, which she constantly played while being in the Michigan Marching Band for one year.
With her commitment to education and her energetic personality, Ms. Barker will be a great role model at U of D Jesuit. As she balances her role as an educator, the school community is excited for the positive impact she will make in the lives of her students.
