Amy McBride Barker ’92

Amy McBride Barker ’92 was honored with the Governor’s Award of Excellence in Humanities Education from the Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) in October. The Council celebrates those who have contributed to the appreciation of history, literature, and the culture of Missouri. Nominated by the community, Barker is the Advanced Placement English literature and composition teacher at Kirkwood [Mo.] High School, where she has been inspiring students to “learn what it means to be human” through literature for 12 years. Kirkwood High School Principal Dave Holley says, “Amy Barker is one of the most enthusiastic and passionate teachers we have, and she’s one of the teachers that every kid wants to have.” Barker’s students attest to her passion and energy in the classroom; through that passion and energy, she communicates a love of reading and an unreserved willingness to dive into literature analysis. The executive director of the MHC calls Barker “an incredible gift to her students and to humanities education in Missouri.”