Ms. Barbee teaches Speech and Speech, Drama and Debate classes at Sallisaw High School. She is the daughter of Elaine (Begley) Barbee Adams and Bob Barbee. She is the proud parent of 14 year-old Andi Gourd. Ms. Barbee comes from an educated family. Her father Bob Barbee, taught, coached and was principal and superintendent of Central Public Schools for 33 years. Her sister, Melony Barnes teaches 4th grade at Central Public Schools and has taught for 18 years. Ms. Barbee graduated from Connors State College in 1992 and from Northeastern State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Education. She has also furthered her education by attending the following colleges: Westark Community College; University of Central Tulsa; Tulsa Junior College and Correspondents Courses through University of Oklahoma. Ms. Barbee’s major at Northeastern State University was in Speech, Drama and Debate. She minored in the following various subjects: Grammar and Composition 7-12; English Literature 7-12; American Literature 7-12; World Literature 7-12; American History 7-12; Oklahoma History 7-12; Social Studies Middle School 6th, 7th and 8th grades. When she first attended college, Ms. Barbee wanted to teach History and Coach. She changed her mind and fell back on her love of acting. She decided to keep her options open and signed up for history classes also so that she would be certified in more than one subject. She has taught for ten years. Six of those years were at Checotah High School and Junior High where she taught High School Speech classes and 7th grade English. Her achievements include the following: Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President of Education of the NSU Toastmasters Club 1993; NSU Speech and Debate team 1993, Speech Theatre Communication Association member 1993; Student Oklahoma Education Association 1993; Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival “Properties Design Award” for the play “Twelve Dreams” 1993; Alpha Phi Omega Honorary Dramatics Fraternity; substitute teacher for Brushy, Muldrow, Central and Sallisaw Public School Systems 1997-1998; Editor’s Choice Award poetry.com for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry September 2001; National Forensic League 2003; Extra Speaking Role in the Documentary “Trail of Tears” 2006; Golden Apple Award SHS 2006; and Honor Roll High School, and Colleges. Ms. Barbee love for acting inspired her to major in acting and be competitive in Speech, Drama and Debate which she has been active in since high school. She is the sponsor of the Sallisaw High School Competitive Speech, Drama and Debate team. Sallisaw High School has been represented at the Regional and State tournaments for the past four years. Ms. Barbee has had students attend the State Speech, Drama and Debate contest 7 years of her 10 years of teaching. Ms. Barbee’s hobbies include: spending time with her daughter and family, traveling, and reading books.