Hello Students and Families!
I hope everyone is enjoying the remainder of their Summer! As the school year quickly approaches, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Carolynn Barber (formerly known as Ms. Clark at EH). I am a former Lizzy Haddon and Haddonfield School District alumni. I will be teaching Second Grade for my sixth year. I am so excited to meet your child and yourselves on the first day of school!!
A little bit about myself, I was born and raised in Haddonfield, and my parents still live in town. I attended Elizabeth Haddon from Kindergarten to Fifth grade, and I continued on through the Middle School and High School, graduating from HMHS in 2012. (Go Dawgs!) After high school, I attended Villanova University for my undergrad, where I balanced a rigorous course load while also playing Division I Field Hockey for the Wildcats. After 4 ½ years, I graduated from Villanova with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. After Villanova, I applied to Drexel’s teaching program, and in June 2019, I completed my Master’s Degree in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum in Elementary Education. I am so honored to have the opportunity to teach and give back to the School District that has shaped me as an individual and life-long learner.
As part of my teaching program at Drexel, I completed my Student Teaching at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School (PPACS), working with a First Grade class. After graduating and gaining excellent teaching experience with PPACS, I accepted a Long Term Substitute position with Elizabeth Haddon for the 2019-2020 school year. While Mrs. Ohl was out on her maternity leave, I taught Second Grade in her place from September to early March. FUN FACT: I was teaching Second Grade in the same class as when I was in Second grade!
See below for my Second Grade class photo!
Growing up, family was always very important and still remains a key element in my life. Being one of five children, our house never had a dull moment. I have two older sisters, Allison and Veronica, who are now both medical professionals. Allison is an orthodontist and Veronica is a physical therapist. I also have a younger brother named Eddie, and last comes, my younger sister, Suzie. Both Eddie and Suzie joined me at Villanova University for their college education (GO CATS!).
Besides my passion for teaching and working with children, I like to stay active as much as I can. I grew up playing an array of sports and spending lots of time playing outside. My interest in sports led me to my continued participation in high school, where I played Field Hockey and Lacrosse. I was fortunate enough to be recruited to play college Field Hockey at the Division I level. Since hanging up my jersey, I have had the opportunity to coach Field Hockey with the Haddonfield Youth Field Hockey League, as well as coaching for the High School team. I also enjoy running or walking to keep myself active. When I am not moving all around, I will likely be reading or enjoying a nice binge watching of a new show.
Some other important things to know about me is that I have a wonderful dog Barry that you will see and hear plenty about throughout the school year. He is a hound mix and has tons of energy and love to give! I got married in July 2023. Funny enough, I met my now husband when I was in Fourth grade at Elizabeth Haddon. His name is Bruce and he is the nicest guy around. Bruce and I will be expecting our first baby this school year!! Baby Girl Barber is expected in October and we are very excited to meet her. Stay tuned for the exciting arrival!!
I hope you have enjoyed learning about Mrs. Barber. I cannot wait to learn all about you very soon!
Click through below to view photos of Mrs. Barber's journey so far!