Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mikia Barnes.
Dr. Barnes, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my career in education as a second-grade science teacher. That year was followed by a single year of teaching fourth grade, four years teaching fifth grade and four years teaching sixth grade. I was granted the opportunity to be a high school instructional coach followed by my first year as an assistant principal. After one year at the elementary level, I went on to be a middle school assistant principal for two years and I am currently a middle school associate principal. While working as an instructional coach, my teammate and I decided to pursue doctorate degrees. So, I became Dr. Mikia J. Barnes, last spring!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been challenges such as prioritizing, managing my time efficiently, learning politics around the work I do. I’ve also had to learn how to navigate and manage personalities.
You have to keep your soul anchored in order to do this job. Prayer and my relationship with God are what navigates me. This way, I can be certain that I’ve done right by Him and by the people I serve as an administrator.
What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a middle school associate principal who pours her heart and soul into her work daily.
I’m known for being a dedicated, committed worker bee who values people and loves kids!
I am most proud of my team’s commitment to re-brand our campus by pursuing academic excellence for our students and intentionally developing positive relationships with our parents.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I think that women can pursue any opportunity available. I think we have the passion, skills, and ambition to pursue any opportunity imaginable.
Image Credit:
Mikia Barnes, Joshua Clark
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