College of Education
Education
M.A. in Teaching - Grand Canyon University, AZ
B.A. in English for Secondary Education - California State University - Fullerton, CA
About Stacey Barnes
Stacey graduated from California State University at Fullerton with a degree in English, and then received her secondary teaching credential shortly thereafter. She earned her Master's Degree in Teaching from Grand Canyon University and has taught for over thirteen years in high school, community college, and online classrooms. Stacey has a passion for empowering students and helping them find their strengths and own purpose in life.
She currently lives in Maine; after a 33-year stint in Los Angeles, she moved to four different states in four years (California, Washington, Colorado, and now Maine!). She loves experiencing different cities, both big and small, and getting a feel for a new place to plant roots and a vegetable garden. She thrives on being outdoors, exploring and adventuring by mountain biking, snowboarding, and disc golfing, but also enjoys cozying up to the stove to make some fresh baked goods.
How has facilitating online courses at GCU helped you find your purpose?
While I thoroughly enjoy the challenge and laughter that comes with teaching teenagers, the rewards of educating future teachers are many. There is something magical about an individual with passion, and the students I have encountered in my education classes have expressed a strong desire to teach and reach their future students. As I continue to find layers in my own individuality and capabilities, I discover that my own purpose in life is multifaceted. As a facilitator, I am able to pass on my passion for reaching our youth, share ways in which teachers can effectively do this, and explore future possibilities for continuing to fulfill my purpose.
What is one effective teaching strategy you use in your online classes?
Stay positive! It is not so much a strategy as a mantra. While it is important to hold high expectations for my students, I think that it is equally, if not more so, important to convey a positive attitude. I enjoy being in the classroom, whether it is a brick-and-mortar or an online one; students can sense this. I try to find ways to build students up, even while offering constructive criticism or dialoguing in the discussion forum. It is infectious and helps to build a safe and welcoming environment that is conducive to learning.
What is a GCU online student success story you can share?
One that sticks out in my mind occurred just recently. During the first CLC team assignment, one student did not have a positive experience with her team for many reasons; she expressed her frustration and desire to change groups for the second assignment. However, after a little pep talk, she made a complete 180 degree turn. She was able to clearly communicate her feelings with her team in a healthy manner, express her expectations for herself and her team, and work collaboratively to create a quality product. I admire her ability to pick herself up, admit responsibility, be proactive, and release any bitterness. She definitely impressed me!
