Meet Shailla Bari

For the last 18 years, first grade teacher Shailla Bari has loved coming to work every day to teach her students. “I feel so lucky to work at Agnes Irwin,” she said. “I went to an all-girls boarding school and it changed my life. I was shy, not very confident, and not a risk-taker. But my all-girls education changed all that. As I continued in my teaching career, I intentionally wanted to work at an all-girls school because I wanted to give this experience to other girls.” Thinking back to her first impressions of Agnes Irwin, Bari recalls seeing faculty teaching self-esteem, collaboration, and cooperation at a young age. “I was amazed by the work here. It gave me a great sense of joy to observe how much the educators and students cared for each other. I wanted to be part of that.”
● Where did you grow up?
London, England
● Did you always want to be a teacher?
No, I wanted to be a diplomat.
● What was your college major?
Political Science
● What was your first job ever?
Tutoring
● What did you do before you came to AIS?
I was a 3rd grade teacher in Philadelphia.
● When you were first interviewing at AIS, what drew you to the school?
The Agnes Irwin community—how happy everyone was to be here!
● How do you describe your work?
As a first grade teacher, my role is to instill a love of learning in children and to help students believe in themselves.
● How have students changed since you started teaching at AIS?
Students are tech savvy.
● How have they stayed the same?
Students’ sense of wonder and how much they want to learn.
● Favorite spot on campus?
The Lower School Library.
● A favorite AIS tradition?
May Fair, because it is a wonderful way to bring the community together and celebrate the end of the year.
● Best thing about being a first grade teacher at AIS?
Learning what is special about each child and watching their progression during the
year. It is magical. Their reading and writing skills take off. They lose their teeth. They
are learning to tie their shoes. They are finding who they are. I see so much growth. It is very rewarding.
● What is something you’re teaching now that excites you?
I have started co-teaching this year with other educators for various projects. Students gain so much through our working together and observing collaboration.
● A funny memory?
I made a mistake once and was a little flustered by it. My student said, “Don’t worry Mrs. Bari, your brain is growing right now!”
● What impresses you about AIS students?
AIS students are change makers.
● What part of an all-girls education do you think is most beneficial?
Encouraging healthy, intellectual risk taking.
● Best part of the school year - Fall, Winter, or Spring? Why?
Fall, because I get to meet my new students and my old students come by for a visit.
● An important thing you work on in your classroom?
Teaching the girls how to make connections with all sorts of people of other races,
cultures, and age groups is so important.
● Do you have any pets?
My family got an aquarium this summer.
● Favorite vacation spot?
Monterey, CA
● A favorite book?
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
● What is your idea of perfect happiness in your life outside of AIS?
Spending time at the beach with my husband and two boys.