Mia Lopez
March 26, 2026
Biology and Anatomy & Physiology are not just classes about having to memorize what you learn, they help students understand their own bodies and life. Here at Kennard-Dale High School, Michele Barrie has been inspiring and informing students since 2014. Even though she has only been at KD since last October, she
brings all of her experience from teaching in places like Japan, Massachusetts, Las Vegas,
Maryland, and now Pennsylvania. Barrie’s start into teaching started with her love for science. Originally, Barrie planned on being a Zoologist, but her passion she had for science led her straight to KD. She now teaches tenth grade Biology and honors Anatomy & Physiology for juniors and seniors. Barrie enjoys teaching both subjects immensely. According to her, the study of life and the human body reminds her daily of, “the beautiful design of life.”
Something that stands out about her teaching is how much she truly cares about everyone of her students. Barrie believes teaching is special because of how it directly impacts a person. Since everyone has a body and experiences life everyday, her subjects are something all students relate too. She also connects her lessons back to real life experiences which can help students better understand what they are learning.
However, teaching these subjects is not always an easy job. Barrie explained that there is some stress because she wants to make sure she is doing the best she can possible. Barrie stated, “sometimes it is hard to make sure both classes are being taught at the level I desire when my time is split between the two” even with some of these challenges she continues to stay dedicated and focused on helping her students succeed.
Students in her classes often struggle with more abstract topics in both Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. In Biology, things like cellular processes are where students struggle, while in Anatomy & Physiology students struggle with abstract topics like action potentials or neuromuscular junction. To help with this, she encourages all her students to stay engaged, ask questions, and to not be afraid to speak up. She emphasizes that she wants students to either email her, come to flex, and reach out. Barrie states, “it’s my goal to support every one of my students in my classroom.”
These classes are important for students’ futures as well. For the ones interested in the medical or science field, Anatomy & Physiology can be helpful since it will prepare you for college level courses. Even for students who do not plan to go into science Biology still teaches important skills such as analyzing data and using your own brain to think. Barrie believes these skills are important in the world today where people are constantly surrounded by information and need to decide what is true.
Barrie’s teaching goes beyond just the lessons she teaches and the test she gives. She helps students understand themselves, prepare for the future, and think critically. By Barrie sharing her passion for science and supporting the students she teaches, she makes an impact both inside and outside her classroom.
