Jeff Barrows has the innate ability to create lasting connections with students and colleagues. His grasp of the curriculum and pedagogy allows him to facilitate an engaging and thoughtful classroom environment that enables students to become more assertive when it comes to their own education.
HPHS Principal Jeremy Gilbert reflected on Barrows’ tenure, “In the last 25 years, Jeff Barrows has made a positive and lasting impact on his students and his colleagues. He helps make HPHS a special place to teach and learn and he understands how it takes a diverse teaching community to provide students with a well-rounded education."
Barrows’ knows that learning about his students does not stop with their academic achievements. He noted that by promoting confidence in the classroom, students are able to make their learning more dynamic and affirming. “The more comfortable a student feels in class, the more engaged and willing they are to express themselves both socially and academically.”
Barrows strives to be the kind of educator that his father was, pushing for his students to think of themselves as learners. His ultimate goal is for students to take ownership of their educational journey as lifelong learners.
Congratulations to Jeff Barrows for being named the 2022-23 Highland Park High School Teacher of the Year.