Some teachers know from an early age that they are called to the classroom. For Stephanie Barnes, that calling showed up in unexpected ways, from teaching swimming lessons as a teenager to exploring different career paths before realizing education was where she truly belonged.
This fall, Knoxville Christian School is excited to welcome Stephanie as the new Elementary Tutor and Achievement Specialist. With more than a decade of teaching experience, a passion for helping students grow, and a heart rooted in Christ, Stephanie brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to seeing every child thrive.
A Calling That Started Early
Stephanie’s journey into education began long before she stepped into her first classroom. At just 15 years old, she started teaching swimming lessons and continued throughout college, working with students of all ages.
Although teaching was always part of her life, Stephanie originally explored several different career paths after high school. She began college at Fort Lewis College and first pursued physical therapy, then athletic training, and later sports administration. Through each experience, she realized those paths were not where she was meant to be.
Eventually, she changed her major to teaching, and everything fell into place.
“I knew I needed to give into teaching,” Stephanie shared.
Once she found her path, she excelled, acing all of her teaching courses and earning her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies for elementary education.
Building a Career Around Connection
After graduating in 2008, Stephanie began gaining classroom experience through substitute teaching before earning her first full-time teaching position in 2011 as a fifth-grade teacher in Aurora, Colorado.
She continued teaching fifth grade for many years, building a reputation for connecting with students and helping them succeed. While she loved teaching all ages, she especially found joy in helping students who needed extra support.
“I was always really proud of being able to teach students who struggled in the classroom,” Stephanie said. “I was able to connect with them and help them grow.”
For Stephanie, the greatest impact often happened beyond academics. She believes students cannot fully learn until they feel safe, supported, and understood.
Teaching the Whole Child
One of Stephanie’s strongest beliefs as an educator is that every child deserves to be seen as a whole person.
“Kids are people too,” she shared. “If they’re having a bad day, they’re not in the right mindset to learn.”
To Stephanie, teaching the whole child means more than helping students master subjects. It means helping them develop emotionally, socially, and personally. It means creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing what they are experiencing and where they can be their authentic selves.
Throughout her career, Stephanie made it a priority to learn who her students were beyond the classroom. Each new school year was a fresh start, and she focused on building relationships first.
While she saw education become more structured over the years, Stephanie always believed students could not be placed into one box. Every child learns differently, and every child deserves an approach that meets their needs.
That mindset is exactly what she hopes to bring to her role at KCS.
A New Chapter in Knoxville
After moving to Knoxville in 2022, Stephanie stepped away from teaching for a season to focus on her family. At the time, she had three children under the age of six, and she wanted to be fully present during those early years.
Her family became her priority, and she embraced that season.
When the opportunity at Knoxville Christian School came along, it was not something Stephanie had been actively searching for. Through a connection her husband had with the school, the opportunity appeared at just the right time.
She believes it was more than a coincidence.
“God has a plan,” Stephanie said. “It felt like this was where I was supposed to be.”
Finding Home Through Faith
Stephanie’s time in Knoxville also became a season of spiritual growth.
Before moving, Christianity was part of her life, but after arriving in Tennessee, her faith became much deeper and more personal. Through a marriage retreat and a weeklong experience with Operation Heal Our Patriots in Alaska, Stephanie and her husband experienced a renewed connection with God.
During that trip, they were baptized together in the glacial waters of Alaska, an experience Stephanie describes as life-changing.
“When I came to Knoxville, it felt like God was saying, ‘Here you are. You are home,’” she shared.
She is excited to continue growing in her faith and becoming more connected to the Christian community at KCS.
Bringing Experience to Her New Role
As the new Elementary Tutor and Achievement Specialist, Stephanie is excited about the opportunity to work with students across different grade levels and subjects.
After spending much of her career in a self-contained classroom, she looks forward to supporting a variety of learners and helping students reach their full potential.
Her experience working with students who need additional support makes her a perfect fit for this role. Stephanie understands that every student has unique strengths, challenges, and needs, and she is passionate about helping each child grow.
A Family Excited for the Journey Ahead
Stephanie’s family is excited about this next chapter too.
Two of Stephanie’s three children will attend KCS and are looking forward to having their mom on campus, while her husband is excited to see her return to the classroom environment where she thrives.
“He could tell that I would flourish more being back in this kind of role,” Stephanie said.
Life Outside the Classroom
When Stephanie is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and finding moments of quiet reflection.
She has recently started reading the Bible every day and enjoys peaceful, meditative moments. She also loves fiction, romance novels, thrillers, and mysteries.
After years of swimming being a major part of her life, Stephanie hopes to get back into the pool this summer.
Her family has also enjoyed exploring Knoxville and falling in love with East Tennessee.
“It’s so green here. It’s beautiful,” Stephanie said. “I haven’t gone anywhere that I didn’t feel welcome.”
Welcome to KCS, Stephanie!
As Stephanie begins this new chapter, she brings with her years of teaching experience, a passion for helping students succeed, and a belief that every child deserves to be known, valued, and supported.
Knoxville Christian School is excited to welcome Stephanie Barnes and the heart she brings to helping students learn, grow, and become all God created them to be.
When the opportunity at Knoxville Christian School came along, it was not something Stephanie had been actively searching for. However, as a number of connections and circumstances aligned, it became evident that God was opening a door in His perfect timing.
Now enrolling for the upcoming school year! Contact our Admissions Office today to schedule a campus tour, meet our incredible faculty, and discover why so many families call KCS home.