05/08/2026
Growing up in East Tennessee, Barb Magee developed a love for the outdoors and science at a young age. Ms. Magee often spent the summer in the woods or creeks exploring. This helped her figure out her major in college, Biology. She attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, after her guidance counselor recommended it. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her mother, who was a professor at East Tennessee University, encouraged her to attend classes there. Ms. Magee always insisted on never becoming a teacher. This changed, however, in high school when her Biology teacher, Mr. Wing, inspired her through his enthusiasm for science and his ability to motivate his student.
Ms. Magee’s journey teaching biology happened unexpectedly after the medical company she worked for went bankrupt. She noticed an opening at 71st High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to teach Biology. Even though she had no teaching experience, she applied for the position, and it changed her life.
After her first year teaching, she realised she enjoyed teaching enough to pursue it as her full-time job. Ms. Magee became a certified teacher while working as a substitute teacher for the Orchestra Program at Dougllas Byrd High School and its feeder schools. She tought 8th grade science in South Carolina, and eventually she returned to NC, where she taught at Leeseville before finding her way to Green Hope, where she made lasting connections with students and teachers.
Serena Saliba
