By Ember McElrath
In his 20th year teaching geometry for Southmoore schools, Wes Barnhart still loves being an educator.
“I think as educators we are typically pouring into others that we don’t process ourselves what we really do,” said Wes. “It is humbling to know that someone values and recognizes I do something well and I love what I do.”
After graduating from Bartlesville High School Wes went on to attend the University of Central Oklahoma for his undergraduate degree in education then going to earn a masters in education administration from Southern Nazarene University.
“I knew in the eighthgrade that I wanted to teach and coach,” Wes said. “I am a first-generation college grad and I was so grateful for the impact that my teachers and coaches made on me that I wanted to be a positive influence to other students.”
For this dedicated teacher, his favorite moment is when he sees his students get that light bulb moment when they finally understand a concept they have been working so hard at and they can see that math is actually fun and useful in life.
“I also enjoy the other teachers; education is a family, and we are all here to help see the students achieve success,” said Wes.
Not only is Wes a busy teacher he also is the coach for the pole vaulters on the varsity track team. He is also a busy small business owner as he owns and coaches a pole vaulting club that helps to train pole vaulters all over the state of Oklahoma.
In his free time Wes enjoys spending time with his wife and three young kids, Kael, Adeline, and Kai. You can also catch Wes playing his collection of guitars, running, playing disc-golf, as well as leading college Bible studies.
