Barbara Shirley
Education
Home Region
Calusa
Class
Education Class 1
Special Designation
Lifetime Member
Areas of Expertise
Education
Biography
After 14 years of service, Barbara recently retired as principal of Alta Vista Elementary, a diverse Title I school in Sarasota. She created a two-generation community school that strengthens academic achievement levels and provides socio-economic support and opportunities for at-risk children and parents in poverty. She was honored as the 2014 Florida Principal of the Year by the Florida Department of Education and was awarded the SCOPE (Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence) Boundary Crosser Award for her dedication in making the community a better place.
Barbara has a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education, a master’s in learning disabilities, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her trailblazing leadership and innovative approach to educational reform, along with her ability to work collaboratively with school and community partners progressively, crosses boundaries and cultivates partnerships throughout Sarasota County and Florida.
Barbara has a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education, a master’s in learning disabilities, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her trailblazing leadership and innovative approach to educational reform, along with her ability to work collaboratively with school and community partners progressively, crosses boundaries and cultivates partnerships throughout Sarasota County and Florida.