Walking into math teacher Barb Harris’ period one algebra II class, one cannot help but notice the excitement and eagerness in Harris’ wide eyes. For the past four years, Harris has taught algebra I and II at STA to girls of all grades. However, Harris’ time at STA is only part of her 16 year teaching career, spanning various cities across the country, from middle schools to high schools.
Before teaching, Harris stayed at home with her three sons for 12 years. When her youngest son started kindergarten, Harris decided she wanted to teach; however, she still needed a teaching certificate.  She began volunteering in the special education department of a local high school, teaching math, leading her to decide to obtain a teaching degree. Harris already held a math degree, so after completing her teaching degree, Harris began teaching pre-algebra in a middle school in Syracuse, New York. Later, she moved to St. Louis, teaching math at Visitation Academy, an all girls high school, and Chaminade College Preparatory School, an all boys high school. When she moved to Kansas City, she taught at St. Terese Catholic School for a year and a half before moving to STA. Harris says she really likes teaching in a single sex environment and feels very lucky to have a job at one of the three single sex high schools in Kansas City.
