Karyn Barra joined the Sweet Briar Teacher Education Program in 2024 as the field placement coordinator and an adjunct professor. Karyn has taught a range of subjects at various levels for the District of Columbia Public Schools, Amherst County Schools, and Lynchburg City Schools, and has previously served as principal and assistant principal. In addition to studying at Georgetown University, University of the District of Columbia, and Washington Metropolitan Area Consortium, she received a certificate in English literature from the Magdalen College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford; was awarded NSTA Science Teacher of the Year in Washington, D.C.; and was named Teacher of the Year by the Young Astronaut Council of America.
Outside of teaching, Karyn enjoys reading, writing, taking long walks in the woods, stargazing, and leisurely travel with her husband. Her favorite thing about Sweet Briar is the beautiful campus nestled in the mountains coupled with the academic program offered to students in a nurturing environment.