Faculty Spotlight: Tucker Barnaby

College/ Degrees: B.S. from UNH; M.A. from Plymouth State University

Years of service: Four years at Fryeburg Academy

Subject(s): Math, primarily Algebra and AP Statistics

Other roles at FA: Assistant Boys’ Soccer and Alpine Skiing coach; Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse coach; dorm team member in Hastings

Fun fact: Mr. Barnaby bought his own lobster boat when he was just 13 years old and
studied commercial fishing at the University of Rhode Island directly out of college.
 He spent one year working on a 95-foot commercial fishing boat, where he would be out to sea for 15 days at a time.

Background you want to share? 
I was born in the mountains of New Hampshire, but I grew up in Portsmouth, so my heart is in the mountains, and I have seawater in my veins.  I’ve had a house in New Hampshire for my whole life.  My wife and I have three children, one of whom is a full-time firefighter, and the other two are students here at FA.

Why did you become a teacher?
My parents were both teachers, so it was always something I considered trying.  When I started coaching, I enjoyed the teaching part of that role.  I also worked a job where I was the trainer for our products nationwide, which required me to teach others how to use the company's equipment.  A friend of mine, who was a teacher at a boarding school, suggested I try out teaching there. I was fortunate, as the training job company gave me a year off to see if I liked it.  It looks like it took, as here I am, 25 years later.  

What is your favorite class to teach and why?
Algebra II.  It’s the basis of all math.  It’s the computations, the putting of all the concepts together, that I enjoy working with, and trying to get my students to see how all the math comes together.

How would your students describe you as a teacher? 
I hope they would say that I am fair and that my style of showing examples is easier to understand.  My goal is that they walk away from the class having enjoyed it and having learned from me. Mathematically and worldly.

Is there anything from your experience as a student that has influenced you as a teacher?
I remember what it was like to be a student—and I was not perfect.  I learned to enjoy classes, but for a while, sports were most important to me.  I haven’t forgotten how that felt, and I strive to convey the understanding and importance of learning to others.

Advice for students?
Listen.  Listen to those who have come before you; there is much to learn from their experiences.  I also encourage students to try new things and never stop learning.  Keep trying and find those things you love.  This is my fourth career, and I can’t wait to try what is next.