Faculty Spotlight: Kim Barker, PhD

Recipient of the Outstanding Faculty for the College of Education and Human Development Award

As a child, Kim Barker, PhD, was fascinated with books on languages, culture and travel. While completing a double-major in English and Spanish in college, she engaged in a summer Study Abroad program that allowed her to study in Spain. Once the program was completed, she stayed in Europe backpacking through three other countries before returning home. 

Barker, an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Leading and the interim associate dean of academics and educator preparation in the College of Education and Human Development at Augusta University, spent some time honing her writing and research skills at a Fortune 500 oil and gas company before realizing her true passion as a teacher while volunteering at her children’s elementary school. 

She taught English learners and gifted education courses at the elementary level for eight years after receiving her Master of Education degree with a concentration in reading, language, and literacy, along with the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Reading, and Gifted Endorsements, before returning to earn a PhD in Teaching and Learning with a focus on language and literacy and teacher education. 

“Studying Spanish and participating in Study Abroad led me to have a heart and a passion for working with language learners (ESOL) and their families, and teaching in a public-school setting led me to having a heart and passion for preparing teachers to be effective instructors and advocates for all students,” Barker said. “As a professor at AU, I have taken Study Abroad groups to Ecuador and New Zealand (pre-COVID). I hope to get involved with Study Abroad again. I know from experience that Study Abroad experiences can be life-changing, and I would love for the next generation of teachers to expand their knowledge of the world before going into their classrooms.” 

After growing up and raising a family in the metro Atlanta area, Barker who has been teaching at AU since 2016, is happy that her position allows her to layer teaching, research and service in local schools as she works with preservice teachers and their mentors – in-service teachers. 

“It is the best of all worlds to be part of the development of the next generation of teachers while remaining connected to local schools, districts, teachers and children,” Barker said. “I also love opportunities I have to collaborate across departments in the COEHD and across campus within the university. These connections are incredibly rewarding.” 

Barker, who plans to continue her research activities and learn as much as she can while serving AU in her interim role as associate dean, is grateful to receive the Outstanding Award for the College of Education and Human Development. 

“I am honored to receive this award, because it represents the decision of my colleagues for whom I have the utmost respect.”