Rick Barnes, is new to Searcy High but not to teaching. He currently teaches biology, but he has also taught environmental science at Jacksonville High.

“I taught environmental science at my old school, but I have taught biology before,” said Barnes.

Barnes majored in science in college.

“Biology is my personal favorite though. I had a teacher in college who I just really liked,” Barnes said. “I didn’t realize I liked biology, until him. He made it a lot of fun.”

Barnes says there is a big difference between his old school and Searcy High School.

“My first year at Searcy has been great. This atmosphere is totally different,” he said. “It’s like night and day. Nobody can understand that unless they have been where I’ve been.

Barnes said there is such a big difference between the discipline here versis no discipline at the other school; an administration who doesn’t care there and an administration at Searcy with a backbone.

“Searcy is a completely different atmosphere with a completely different attitude,” Barnes said.

Barnes also loves the kids and dealing with students here.

“The kids are wonderful. I haven’t had an ordeal with any one of them,” Barnes said. “They are always ready to work and seem really behaved. Searcy is full of very discipline kids compared to Jacksonville.”

The feeling of the students to Barnes is mutual. Davis Polson is excited to be in his cass

“I think Mr. Barnes is a really cool teacher,” said Davis Polston. “He knows what he’s talking about. You can tell he has been doing this for a while, and he’s a lot of fun in his class.”

Caleb Weaver said he thinks he is a great teacher.

“I think Mr. Barnes is a phenomenal teacher,” Weaver said. “He is very good in understanding teenagers and can relate to kids.”

Barnes hasn’t totally adjusted, but he does have some teachers to help him out.

“I am just in awe with his school still. It will take a little while to get used to it,” Barnes said. “I’m just grateful to have some associates to help me with my transformation. I’ve got Mrs. Mackenzie, Mr. Koch, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Scarbrough, Mrs. Lawson, and Mrs. Collom. They have all been a great help.”

Barnes is also amazed at how much everyone helps each other in the school.

“I would have more, but I don’t go to the other side of the school much,” Barnes added. “Either way, it’s nice to have them as a support system.”

Barnes has some advice for the current and future new teachers.

“My only advice would have to be to get the kids to love you, and they will learn and let you teach whatever you want to,” he said.