A mother, pastor and a principal, Cheryl Ault-Barker can do it all. She is currently the principal of Thaddeus Stevens P.S. 81 in Brooklyn, New York, and member of Council of School Supervisors & Administrators, AFSA Local 1. While serving 11 years as a school leader and assistant principal, she has created a learning environment that supports adult development, which in turn results in students achieving academically and socially. Her colleagues describe her educational philosophy as one founded on the core belief that every child can learn, grow and achieve.
“As an instructional leader, her fundamental principles are that high expectations and excellence permeate all areas of our professional learning community,” says P.S. 81 teacher Cicely Lewis. “She continues to provide differentiated professional development and analysis to drive instruction.”
Ault-Barker is an inductee of the Kingsborough Community College Wall of Fame in Brooklyn, in recognition of outstanding achievement in education. She remains committed to exemplary, action-evidenced service. Also, she is the recipient of Brooklyn College’s Joseph G. Cohen Memorial award for excellence in education. Ault-Barker served as one of the distinguished 2008 Cahn Fellows participants. During the past year, she was a mentor for new assistant principals affiliated with the NYC Leadership Academy.
This past March, Ault-Barker was recognized by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as a 2015 nominee of women who have made distinguished contributions at the Women’s History Month celebration. She is continuing to work beyond the walls of P.S. 81 through her church, Consuming Fire Ministries International Inc., of which she is the founder and leader, focusing her efforts in the community at large.
AFSA applauds all of Ault-Barker’s outstanding accomplishments.