Tamela Barnes

• Positions: World history teacher and sociology teacher
• School Activities: Safe & Civil Committee
• Years at Caney Creek: 17
• Years Teaching: 23

How would other people describe you?

They would describe me as funny and caring.

Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching.

Actually, I always tell my students that teaching found me, and my original plan was to become a lawyer.

Tell us about how you got into teaching. 

I actually started working for a nonprofit organization that is still here at Caney Creek and after doing some tutoring and working with kids really closely, a lot of students were like “Miss you would make a great teacher.” So I actually pursued it.

What do you do outside of school for fun? Why? 

Outside of school I like to bake and I like to read. I love current events stuff and being a history teacher I try to stay in touch with that. I enjoy watching volleyball because I played volleyball in high school. 

When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you? 

I think when people get to know me, they’re most surprised to learn that I am a pretty eclectic person, even with my music tastes and things that I like. I like a bunch of different things, I get bored with one type of thing.

Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.

I’m most proud of myself for taking the initiative to actually take on a career as sometimes it’s difficult as being a teacher is. I think a lot of people say our job is hard, but I think it’s not as hard. It’s one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever have, so it helps with that, being able to inspire students. 

Who is someone you are thankful for and why?

There’s actually a tie on that. I’d have to tie my sister, who is my best friend, and my mom. I am probably most thankful for my sister because she inspires me every day. She deals with a lot since she has a disability, and she deals with it with such grace. So, she really inspires me to never give up on anything. 

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career similar to yours?

I would tell them, don’t do it without really thinking through and knowing that you’re going to have hard days. You’re going to question yourself some days as a teacher, but understand that the rewards of being a teacher are outweighed. 

What’s on your bucket list? 

I would like to get to Greece at some point in my life.

Favorites

• Food: Italian Food
• Artist: “Alicia Keys”
• TV Show: “Supernatural”
• Book: “Exclusive” by Sandra Brown