Barber named Sumter Christian Teacher of the Year
Kevin Barber has been selected as Teacher of the Year at Sumter Christian School for the 2025-26 school year. Barber received his bachelor's degree from The Crown College of the Bible, his master's degree in educational leadership from Bob Jones University and his PhD in education from Liberty University.
He taught in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, before coming to Sumter Christian School in 2021. He is currently teaching eighth-grade history, ninth-grade physical science, ninth-grade cultural geography and three Bible classes (to grades, 6, 8 and 12) and has been teaching for 9 1/2 years. Barber is the lead sponsor for the student council and serves as the middle and high school area supervisor.
Barber is an adjunct professor at Crown College, he lived in Australia for four years (1999-2003), has been on mission trips to Romania (2011) and Ukraine (2012) and spent one semester abroad in the United Kingdom (2014).
He is married to Elisabeth Barber, and they have a 1-year-old son. The son of Jerome and Cecilia Barber, he is a native of Prince Frederick, Maryland. His hobbies include reading and spending time with his family and dogs. He is a faithful member of Sumter Bible Church, where he serves as a deacon, adult Sunday school teacher, a member of the missions committee, school committee and the budget committee.
His accomplishments and awards include the following: Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society (Liberty University, 2022), Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society (Liberty University, 2022), Daniel W. Phillips Encouragement Award (Crown College, 2016), Leadership Training Certificate (Crown College, 2016), Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (Crown College, 2016), Maryland Community College Activities Director Association (College of Southern Maryland, 2012), Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society (College of Southern Maryland, 2012) and The National Society of Leadership and Success (College of Southern Maryland, 2012).
When asked what he likes best about teaching, he replied, "I enjoy teaching God's truth in every subject to the next generation." When asked about his philosophy of education, Barber responded, "My philosophy of education is to teach students about God in every subject through every subject so they might glorify and enjoy Him. With this knowledge, they can love Him and others more."
When colleagues were asked to offer comments, the responses included the following statements: "Dr. Barber is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher. He approaches the profession with heart-felt care and devotion. He offers a quality education to his students every day and has a great desire to raise up this next generation. His leadership with the student council and the community service projects they do is of great value. My children love him and his classes. His professionalism, faithfulness and consistency are facets that allow him to be one of the best teachers to impact students for Christ. He is a godly role model for all our students, and it is a blessing to have him as a colleague."
SCS Principal Matthew Marritt said, "Dr. Kevin Barber does a wonderful job teaching his students from a biblical worldview. His knowledge of the Scriptures and his passion to teach, whether it is history, science, or Bible, are clearly evident in his lesson preparation and teaching. Dr. Barber has also done an exceptional job with our Sumter Christian Student Council these past few years. He has not only modeled Christian leadership, but he has fostered an environment where students can grow in their faith and take on leadership roles here at school and in our community."