Stephen Barry, a Davidsonville resident, is planning to retire after 41 years teaching. He was most recently working at the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center on the Severn River in Millersville, directing the school system’s environmental and outdoor education programs.
A passionate advocate for the environment, Barry was named educator of the year by the nonprofit Chesapeake Bay Foundation in 2008.
“Steve Barry is one of the most knowledgeable and respected environmental educators in the country,” schools Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell said in a statement. “His advocacy for the environment on behalf of our children and our future has been unequaled.”
Barry, 63, said he always intended to work until age 66. But he began thinking about retirement during the winter holidays and decided he wanted to spend more time with his family, including four small grandchildren. He also figured it’s a good time to leave, as he thinks Anne Arundel’s environmental program is thriving.
“Our program’s at the top,” he said. “I think it’s the best program in the state of Maryland and probably one of the best programs in the nation.”
Barry will retire at the end of the month. He said he’ll miss working with kids and spurring an interest in the environment. But he won’t miss being stuck in an office and pushing for money for environmental programs. Barry plans to stay involved in the environmental world, perhaps by volunteering with local watershed groups.
“I’d like to get my hands dirty and keep my feet wet and spend a lot less time in front of the computer,” he said.
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