I was born and raised in Southern California, and migrated north to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz. At Santa Cruz, I received my BA in Mathematics and my teaching credential. I taught math for three years at Liberty High School in the East Bay, then met my wife and came south to Santa Clara High School where I taught math for seven years.
During my years at Santa Clara High School, I took on many different responsibilities. I taught several different courses, but from ELL Math for newcomers to Trigonometry/Analysis, I prided myself on getting students from all levels to be successful in mathematics. In addition, I served as the department chairperson of the math department for five years. In this role, I became a curricular leader, hired and coached several new teachers and developed the master schedule for the department. In 2002, I was recognized as the outstanding staff member of the year by the student body and in 2003, I received the Robert Thorson Award as the most inspirational teacher to the senior class. I also developed a strong desire to improve mathematics instruction and mathematics staff development in our district, and began serving on the District Mathematics Planning Committee, a committee I still sit on today.
I began my administrative career as a summer school vice principal at Wilcox High School. I held that position for two summers and then was given the opportunity to be a part-time vice principal at Santa Clara High School. After one year in this dual role as teacher/administrator, I was named vice principal at Peterson Middle School, the position I have held for the past four years. I have served a myriad of roles while at Peterson, from counseling to discipline to staff development, but have never lost focus of my passion, teaching and learning. I truly love children of all ages, and firmly believe that all students can learn and achieve at a high level given the proper support and structure.
My wife (a stay at home mom/graphic artist/photographer) and I have four year old twin boys, Kai and Dax. They are the light of our lives, and most of our activities center around them. I love spending time with friends and family, meeting new people, experiencing new learning opportunities, traveling, gardening and sports, particularly baseball.
I feel extremely privileged to serve as the second principal of Don Callejon School. I am confident that together, we can make Don Callejon the best school it can be. Please feel free to contact me (hbarber@scusd.net) with any comments, questions, ideas or concerns that you may have about our school or community.
Hans Barber
