For Monica Barnes, joining the seventh-grade teaching team at James E. Bazzell Middle School (JEBMS) represents another important step in a lifelong dream of serving students in her hometown.
Barnes will serve as a seventh-grade science Exceptional Child Education teacher. The new position allows her to continue working within Allen County Schools while helping middle school students develop academically, socially and personally.
“Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and I have always dreamed of working in the Allen County School System,” Barnes said. “I enjoy helping students learn, grow and achieve their goals, both academically and personally.”
A Scottsville native, Barnes graduated from Allen County-Scottsville High School in 2003. She later attended the University of the Cumberlands, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May 2025. Barnes was named to the dean’s list throughout the entire undergraduate program.
She is continuing her education at the University of the Cumberlands, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in learning and behavior disorders. She is also working toward a certificate in Middle-Grades English Language Arts. Barnes has earned dean’s list recognition during every semester of her graduate studies and is scheduled to graduate in October 2026.
Barnes brings a wide range of experience to her new classroom. She worked for two years as an in-school suspension teacher, spending one year at Patriot Academy and another at JEBMS. She also served as an instructional assistant in a special education classroom at Allen County Primary Center. Barnes later worked as a full-time substitute teacher and a third-grade ECE teacher at the Primary Center before accepting her new seventh-grade science position at JEBMS.
Those different roles have allowed Barnes to work with students of various ages, backgrounds and educational needs. Each experience has strengthened her desire to advocate for students and help them recognize their abilities.
“One of the reasons I was drawn to the field of special education is the opportunity to build strong relationships with students and provide individualized support,” Barnes said. “I especially value the one-on-one and small-group instruction that an ECE position allows, as it gives me the chance to better understand each student’s strengths and needs.”
Barnes said seeing students gain confidence, overcome challenges and experience success continues to inspire her as an educator.
She credits several former teachers and colleagues with influencing her educational journey. Mrs. LeeAnn Fitzpatrick, one of her elementary school teachers, and Mr. Rick Roberts, one of her high school teachers, left a lasting impression through their dedication and positive influence on students.
Barnes has also been encouraged by coworkers throughout Allen County Schools who have shared their knowledge, supported her professional development and demonstrated a strong commitment to helping students succeed.
In her new role, Barnes plans to create a classroom where students feel valued, supported and challenged. She believes strong relationships and open communication between school and home are essential.
“Students can expect patience, encouragement and individualized support,” Barnes explained. “I want my classroom to be a place where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes and celebrate their successes.”
Parents can expect Barnes to communicate consistently, advocate for their children and work collaboratively with families, teachers and service providers. Her goal is to help meet each student’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs.
Barnes noted that one of the most valuable lessons she has learned is that relationships form the foundation of effective teaching.
“Students learn best when they feel safe, respected and know that their teacher genuinely cares about them,” Barnes added.
Her previous experiences have also taught her the importance of patience, flexibility, consistency and teamwork. She understands that students learn in different ways and that instruction often must be adjusted to meet students where they are. Barnes also believes educators should recognize and celebrate progress, even when it comes in small steps.
“Progress does not always happen quickly, and success should be measured by growth rather than perfection,” Barnes said. “Celebrating small victories, maintaining high expectations and never giving up on students can have a lasting impact on their confidence and future success.”
Outside the classroom, Barnes enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband have been married for 17 years and have four children. The family is active in their church, where Barnes and her husband serve as youth leaders. They also spend time supporting their children’s activities, attending sporting events, traveling and visiting extended family.
Barnes enjoys reading, listening to music, watching movies and playing board games with her children. She and her husband particularly enjoy scary movies. She also likes spending time with the family’s dogs, playing fetch and teaching their youngest dog new tricks. Her interest in learning extends beyond books, movies and travel. Barnes is also fascinated by snakes, lizards and other reptiles.
In fact, students may someday find an unusual addition to her science classroom.
“I think snakes, lizards and other reptiles are cool,” Barnes said, “and I have thought about getting one as a classroom pet.”
Whether she is teaching science, providing individualized support or possibly introducing students to a reptile, Barnes is looking forward to helping seventh graders grow during the new school year.
“Every child deserves an advocate who believes in them,” Barnes said, “and I strive to be that person for my students each day.”
Barnes is excited to meet her students’ at the JEBMS open House on Monday, August 10.