When Myrilyn Barr first arrived at Stoddert in 1986, she set up the technology lab program that she still manages today. Ms. Barr hopes to instill all her students with a level of comfort and literacy using technology, saying, “I want to prepare students for meeting the challenges they face in the larger world.” Early in her career, she frequently participated in education technology pilot programs. Ms. Barr was excited by “the potential to motivate students to stretch their thinking and problem-solving skills in many directions, from logical to creative.”

Ms. Barr has volunteered for a variety of initiatives at Stoddert, including organizing an after-school graphic arts program, coordinating writing contests and helping students to be published by the National Poetry Society, serving on the Personnel, Principal Hiring, Stoddert Modernization, and Hospitality committees, and co-chairing Stoddert’s annual talent show. Her principal, Donald Bryant, commends her performance, saying, “She collaborates well with her colleagues, she has excellent communication skills with parents, and is receptive to suggestions for improvement. Most importantly, she is truly committed to student success.” Ms. Barr has learned to appreciate her young students “for their unbridled enthusiasm for life and learning,” and enjoys continuing to help them gain confidence, discover new approaches, and “think out of the box.” She has been rated Highly Effective in each of the four years of IMPACT evaluations.