This Hispanic Heritage Month, Davis School District is proud to highlight Katie Barber, a math teacher at Central Davis Junior High School. Barber is in her eighth year of teaching and has served in many roles beyond the classroom, including basketball coach, SBO and cheer advisor and now advisor for Latinos in Action (LIA).
“What I enjoy most is the chance to build meaningful relationships with students in and outside the classroom,” Barber said. “Whether I’m helping them solve equations, cheering them on at games, supporting them on the court or mentoring through LIA, I love being part of their personal and academic growth.”
Barber’s own journey has been shaped by mentors, teachers and coaches who saw potential in her before she saw it in herself.
“Their belief in me inspired me to pursue a career in education where I could hopefully be that same source of encouragement and support for others,” she said.
For Barber, teaching is about much more than academics.
“Nothing means more than when past students stop by to say “hi,” or when I run into them at the mall or somewhere they still feel that connection enough to stop me and chat about life,” she said. “That’s when I know I’ve made a difference.”
Her advice to others in education is simple but powerful:
“Focus on building relationships with students first,” Barber said. “When students feel seen and valued, real learning and growth can happen.”
