Above and beyond: Math instructor available early, late for kids

By COLLEEN FREYVOGEL
The Tribune-Democrat

March 01, 2006 02:31 pm

— For Susan Barclay, teaching math is more than formulas and graphs.
Whether it’s tutoring before classes begin or staying after the last bell rings, Barclay helps Rockwood Area School District students understand the rigors of mathematics.
“No two days are the same,” she said. “Kids are incredible to work with.”
Her day begins at 7 a.m. with SAT preparations or classroom tutoring.
Many times, she said, students want to review lesson materials that will be on SAT exams.
“They are dedicated kids,” she said. “Sometimes I have 15 here and sometimes I have two.”
Barclay said she has noted a change in state testing since she began her teaching career more than 25 years ago. Most courses are based on state standards for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams, not the college board exams.
Clair Lewis, a high school English teacher, said Barclay can usually be found in her classroom prior to the first bell and well after dismissal.
“She helps students who aren’t her own students in SAT prep, and she does it on her own time,” he said.
“She is a person who, whenever a person needs her, will be there,” Lewis said.
Barclay, who has been teaching at Rockwood for nearly 24 years, said her passion is reaching a child who is having difficulty learning the material.
“I lay awake wondering how I can learn different ways to teach,” she said. “You can teach just about any student to learn.”
Kandi Ansell, a senior, said Barclay wants every student to excel.
“If you need help, she is very willing to help you out,” Ansell said. “She’s more understanding (than other teachers) if you aren’t doing well.”
Justin Hinkle, a junior, said Barclay reaches out to students who may not ask for help.
“She helps me out a lot,” he said. “She takes (her lessons) slow so it helps us all understand it a lot better.”
Barclay also offers alternative assignments so students who are falling behind can work to earn a higher grade, Hinkle said.
She said her goal is to make a connection for students so they can get more out of their lessons.
“They discover the concepts themselves,” she said.
By doing so, the students gain confidence, which in turn encourages them to learn, Barclay said.
Jay Best, a high school history teacher, said he has looked up to Barclay since he started at the high school 20 years ago.
“She is, without question, one of the most dedicated professional teachers,” he said. “Her whole mission in life has been to help kids.”
Schools Superintendent Vincent Capricci said Barclay is a model teacher.
“I think Mrs. Barclay brings a lot to the district for a number of reasons,” he said. “I can speak as the superintendent and also a parent.”
Last year, Capricci’s son took a senior-level trigonometry course that was taught by Barclay.
“Her concern for the kids is that they have the opportunity to achieve and to be the best they can be,” Capricci said. “As a parent, I really appreciated that.”
He said Barclay is always available for students.
“Her day is dictated by the needs of the kids (more) than the priorities of the clock,” Capricci said.
“We have a lot of folks who go the extra mile for kids, and we are very proud that we have them in our district.”
High school Principal Mark Bower described Barclay as the “ultimate professional.”
“She is a fantastic role model and mentor for younger teachers,” he said.
“She still has the energy of a beginning teacher even with a number of years of experience.”
Bower said Barclay goes above and beyond his expectations.
“She is a real team player,” Bower said.

Colleen Freyvogel can be reached at 532-5055 or cfreyvogel@tribdem.com.

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