Employee Spotlight: Maggie Barker

Maggie Barker’s journey through education has been shaped by a unique blend of experiences. From her early years, Maggie was homeschooled by her mother, who instilled in her a deep and abiding love for learning. This foundation set the stage for Maggie’s academic pursuits, where she discovered her passion for chemistry and embarked on a journey to earn her bachelor’s degree.

Along the way, she found her natural talent for teaching, a skill that she honed as a peer tutor for fellow UNCW classmates. This discovery not only ignited her love for education but also paved the way for a fulfilling career as a learning lab tutor and math instructor at CFCC.

Maggie’s gift as an educator is admired and celebrated by her colleagues who affectionately refer to her as “attentive, knowledgeable, and patient” when it comes to working with students. Her remarkable ability to connect with learners and adapt to their needs is nothing short of inspiring.

Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to work alongside her. One of her colleagues shared, “Maggie Barker is an amazing teacher and tutor who inspires those around her to do their best. She is a perfect model for others to aspire to.”

“As a tutor, Margaret (Maggie) Barker is willing to take as much time as needed to help the students understand their course materials,” commented CFCC Learning Specialist Rosemarie Hoffman. “She goes above and beyond to ensure that students learn and are progressing in their courses. She helps with my workshop presentations in math and she is an advocate for all students.“

In between math classes, Maggie sat down with us to share her experience at CFCC.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I started working at the CFCC Learning Lab in 2012 for supplemental income while studying at UNCW, and I remained after graduating because I loved helping other students learn.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I have a knack for explaining complex subjects to my students, broken down in a way that is easy to understand. I love the satisfaction when a student finally has that breakthrough moment!

WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?

I spend my time with my wife, cat, and chinchilla. I love going on road trips, programming, eating at restaurants, investing, and shopping!

WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?

My precalculus instructor, Laura Taylor. She saw the gift I had and encouraged me to pursue teaching.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t wait around for others to do it for you. If you want it done, take the initiative yourself.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I was homeschooled, and I had to teach myself nearly everything I learned before college.

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

• Associate in Science, CFCC, 2012
• Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, Mathematics minor, UNCW, 2014, Summa Cum Laude

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Chemical Society (ACS)