2019 Kansas Master Teacher Paula Barr

Paula Barr considers failure a gift since it gives you the opportunity to learn. It also gives her the opportunity to model for her students “failing with grace and a sense of humor, perseverance, grit, rethinking and retrying, [and] searching out the help of others.”

“When students see that I am attempting to grow and change and fail in front of them they realize that stepping into that same role as a student is not only expected but celebrated.”

Barr began her teaching career in 1981 in the Shawnee Mission School District as a first-grade teacher. In the 38 years since, she taught primarily first grade and is currently teaching second grade. Barr has been at Quail Run Elementary in Lawrence since 2005.

Over the years, Barr has evolved from being a keeper and dispenser of knowledge to being a facilitator and guide for her students. “I expect all students to apply and synthesize knowledge. In my experience all students can apply what they are learning if given the tools and support needed.”

Barr earned her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1981, her master’s in teaching from Webster University (Missouri) in 1994, and has an endorsement in English as a Second Language from Kansas State University. However, her biggest career-changing spark came when she had the opportunity to attend her first national conference for teachers. “Spending four days surrounded by educators from all over the country and the world, joining in conversations and discussions, networking, attending sessions by nationally known researchers changed me forever,” Barr stated.

An avid reader of the words of great minds in education, she shares her book studies and presentations with colleagues. While she has found guiding and supporting many pre-service teachers very rewarding, her greatest pleasure is in working with novice teachers.

“She is always trying something new to engage her students in learning. Whether she’s bringing her goats to school or transforming her classroom into the Titanic, she strives to make learning meaningful, memorable and fun for her students,” said a colleague.