Education Resources

Newsletter Q&A with Tena Barrett

Tena is a Instructional Coach for Eagle Point School District .

Can you tell us a bit about your role within the Eagle Point School District and what a typical day in your work life entails?

As an instructional coach, I work alongside teachers to support instruction, whether that’s planning lessons, sharing strategies, or looking at student data together. Most days, I’m in and out of classrooms, checking in with teachers during prep time, or helping problem-solve around student needs. I also support professional development by working with teachers to implement strategies in ways that are meaningful and manageable for their classrooms. Overall, my role is about being a resource and a thought partner for teachers.

What drew you to a career in education?

I was first drawn to education because I’ve always loved learning. It excites me, challenges me, sparks my curiosity, and keeps me growing. That passion made me want to share the joy of discovery with others. I wanted to help students find that same sense of wonder and engagement in their own learning. Over time, my motivation has evolved. I’ve come to see education as more than just sharing knowledge. It’s about creating a space where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to explore their potential. Being an educator means fostering curiosity, resilience, and confidence in others. That deeper purpose continues to inspire me every day.

What has been your process of coordinating summer school this year? Any specific learning targets, field trips, or community partners that you were excited to incorporate?

This year, our summer school focused on partnering with local organizations to creatively connect literacy with real-world learning. We worked closely with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, Rogue Valley YMCA, Rusted Gate Farms, and the Jackson County Library to provide hands-on, engaging experiences for students. Literacy was woven throughout, from nature journaling to storytelling and reflective writing. Our goal was to show students that reading and writing are powerful tools for exploring and understanding the world around them.