Beth Barr, a passionate English teacher, whose years of experience working with students has given her a unique and powerful perspective on how to best help students fail . . . in order to succeed.
Growth-minded. Passionate. Intuitive.
Join us at TEDxLogan Circle 2025 to hear Beth Barr's inspiring message and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive future.
Can you give us a preview of your talk?
I will discuss the importance of schools and families working together to hold students responsible for their poor choices and the consequences they face. When we trust students to take full ownership of their “failures” and comebacks, we can help build their self-trust, resilience, and integrity which are critical to their mental health, personal growth, and success in school, in the workplace, and in society.
How do you define courage?
Courage isn't the absence of fear: it's the ability to "do the thing" despite feeling apprehensive. Every day, large and small courageous acts happen everywhere when people stay true to themselves, do the best they can, and keep moving forward.
What are some ways that you see courage in your daily life?
As a teacher, I have witnessed tremendous courage from my colleagues and from my students when they've stepped well outside their comfort zones, dug deep for courage, and overcome their personal challenges. I've had a front row seat to many of my students' personal victories when they've "slayed the dragon" during class presentations by just getting out of their seats and talking in front of their peers. Others have shown bravery while battling depression, illness, loss, or surgeries.
What are some of the things that excite and challenge you about being a 2025 TEDxLogan Circle Speaker?
As I am preparing for the 2025 TEDxLogan Circle talk, I am so grateful for all the encouragement and support I receive every day and for the opportunity to be a positive, reassuring voice for teachers, counselors, principals, students, and families. The most challenging aspect on this incredible speaker journey is experiencing a variety of emotions. I'm alternating between feeling excited, overwhelmed, and awe that this goal of mine has manifested in all the best ways.
Who inspires you to be creative and courageous?
My dad passed away suddenly over 16 years ago, and he was my number one role model for living life to the fullest, believing in oneself, and taking chances. He approached life with passion, gratitude, and joy, which is something I aspire to do every day. In our last “magical” phone conversation, we both shared everything new we were doing. His last words were that he was so proud of me and believed in me which gives me courage and confidence every day to keep growing and stepping outside my comfort zone. My older daughter is an instructional designer and former high school English teacher who inspires me to follow my dreams. My younger daughter is a critical care nurse who serves from her heart, positively impacting me and everyone around her. They are my biggest supporters, and I could not be prouder to be their mom cheering them on “from the sidelines” in everything they do.
What is your favorite way to rest and unwind?
It’s tough for me to pick one favorite way. I love taking walks, doing yoga, or meditating. When the weather is warm in Michigan, my favorite place to be is in the lake swimming or paddleboarding. I also enjoy “holding down the couch” while reading or watching a good movie.
What movies/books/music make you think of courage and why?
The Glass Castle memoir immediately comes to mind when I think of courage. Even after 20 years, Jeannette Walls’s extraordinary life story has “stayed with me.” My colleagues and I incorporate her memoir into our English classes, and it is still being taught around the country today for the enduring themes of courage and perseverance. Her memoir has even inspired some of my students to bravely share their personal connections to her life during class discussions. Through her obstacles and triumphs, Walls serves as an aspiring example of grace, acceptance, forgiveness, and grit.
Why are you excited to be a speaker at 2025 TEDxLogan Circle?
The volunteer team is incredibly service-oriented and community-driven which shows in how they approach their team, speakers, partners, attendees, and D.C. homebase. My hope is to support kids, caregivers, and schools through my talk to improve integrity in our education system, corporations, and government.
Beth Barr
Beth Barr has nearly two decades of experience as a middle and high school English teacher, currently teaching AP Language and Composition, Writing and Communication, and Contemporary Literature. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Pre-law Concentration from Albion College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University. Prior to her career in secondary education, Ms. Barr worked as a healthcare recruiter, corporate trainer, and with adult special education students. She also works in a coaching role with teachers, parents, and students.
Join us at TEDxLogan Circle 2025 be part of the movement towards a more inclusive future.