Hi, I’m
Starla Barker
Vidalia,GA
Summary
Experienced K–12 Instructional Technology Director with 4 years leading district-wide tech initiatives, including SSO transitions, SIS integrations, cybersecurity planning, and AI integration in classrooms. Skilled in technology integration, educator training, and IT service delivery across roles including Principal, Academic Coach, Media Specialist, and Teacher.
My mission is to support teachers with innovative, efficient tools while ensuring our students gain the technology skills and digital fluency they need to thrive in the future. I’m driven by creating systems that simplify work for educators, personalize learning for students, and lead to sustainable, impactful change.
Overview
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Tattnall County Schools
IT Director
07.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Lead professional development focused on integrating technology into daily instruction, with an emphasis on tools that reduce teacher workload and improve learning outcomes.
- Lead district-wide transition from GroupWise to Gmail, ensuring minimal disruption and successful user adoption across all schools.
- Managed the migration from Clever to ClassLink for Single Sign-On (SSO), streamlining access to digital resources for staff and students.
- Oversee and maint integration and rostering between the Student Information System (SIS) and SSO platform, ensuring accurate and timely data synchronization for all instructional applications.
- Provide district-wide professional development and ongoing support for new technology tools as they were adopted and integrated.
- Coordinate and facilitate all i-Ready training sessions for educators across the district, supporting data-driven instruction.
- Collaborate with district AI cohorts to lead professional learning on artificial intelligence in education, including practical classroom applications.
- Developed a comprehensive cybersecurity plan for the district, addressing infrastructure, staff training, and student safety.
- Partner with the computer science team to create and implement a district-wide STEM development plan, expanding access and opportunities for all grade levels.
- Administer and manage federal and state technology-related grants, ensuring compliance and alignment with district goals.
- Analyze application usage data to assess the effectiveness and ROI of district tools, making data-driven recommendations for improvements or resource allocation.
Collins Elementary
Principal
07.2017 - Current
Job overview
- Established a positive, stimulating learning environment for students and an exciting education-focused setting for teachers, ensuring that all felt valued
- Coordinated AdvancED process at the school level and served on the district level AdvancED team
- Performed formal/informal classroom observations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness
- Monitored and provided feedback to teachers concerning class pages, lesson plans, and grades
- Cultivated a positive relationship between the outside community and the school students and teachers through parent involvement activities TEAM, Tailgating with a Good Book, Math Science Night, STEAM Night
- Continuously monitor implementation of PBIS by analyzing data from Educators Handbook
- Skills: Educational staff supervision, Positive Parent Relations, Staff development, Curriculum development, Technology Integration
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
Reidsville Elementary School
Assistant Principal
06.2011 - 06.2017
Job overview
- Conducted formative and summative classroom evaluations, providing data-driven feedback to support teacher growth and instructional improvement.
- Launched a schoolwide implementation of ClassDojo to streamline real-time communication between educators and families, enhancing transparency and engagement.
- Designed and deployed a tech-enabled car rider dismissal system, improving student safety, operational efficiency, and staff collaboration.
- Led the planning and execution of high-impact family engagement events—such as Math/Science Night, Bingo for Books, and the Title I Extravaganza—bridging the gap between home and school while celebrating learning through community connection.
Reidsville Elementary School
Academic Coach
07.2009 - 06.2010
Job overview
- Partnered with educators to analyze student performance data, identify learning gaps, and adjust instruction for greater effectiveness.
Vidalia Elementary School
Library Media Specialist
07.2002 - 06.2009
Job overview
- Directed all aspects of the school’s library media program, integrating traditional literacy with digital learning resources to support student achievement.
- Provided ongoing professional development and just-in-time support to staff and faculty on the effective integration of instructional technology into classroom practice.
Reidsville Elementary Middle School
Middle School Teacher
07.1998 - 07.2001
Job overview
- Delivered engaging, standards-aligned instruction in 7th and 8th grade Mathematics, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Served diverse learners at the middle school level in an Alternative School setting, providing differentiated instruction, social-emotional support, and structure to promote academic success and student growth.
Ashworth Middle School
Middle School Teacher
08.1996 - 05.1998
Job overview
- 8th Grade Math
- Planned and coordinated a week-long educational tour of Georgia for 8th grade students, aligning experiential learning opportunities with state curriculum standards in history, geography, and civics.
Education
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA
Doctorate from Curriculum Studies, Emphasis Leadership
01.2009
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA
Maters from Instructional Technology
01.2000
Berry CollegeMount Berry, GA
Bachelor of Science from Middle Grades Education
01.1996
Skills
- Tech-forward mindset
- STEM & Computer Science Advocacy
- AI in Education
- Project & Program Management
- Educational Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Educator Training & Coaching
- Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Communication & Collaboration
Timeline
IT Director
Tattnall County Schools
07.2021 - Current
Principal
Collins Elementary
07.2017 - Current
Assistant Principal
Reidsville Elementary School
06.2011 - 06.2017
Academic Coach
Reidsville Elementary School
07.2009 - 06.2010
Library Media Specialist
Vidalia Elementary School
07.2002 - 06.2009
Middle School Teacher
Reidsville Elementary Middle School
07.1998 - 07.2001
Middle School Teacher
Ashworth Middle School
08.1996 - 05.1998
Georgia Southern University
Maters from Instructional Technology
Berry College
Bachelor of Science from Middle Grades Education
Georgia Southern University
Doctorate from Curriculum Studies, Emphasis Leadership
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