WARSAW — On Friday, May 13, Warsaw Community Schools and members of the local chapter of the Air Force Association presented the 2016 Indiana Teacher of the Year award to Ben Barkey for his work as an instructional coach in STEM education at Washington STEM Academy.

The honor was bestowed to Barkey at Washington by the local LD Bell Museum Chapter 411 of the AFA with students, staff and community members present.

Barkey was selected as the Chapter 411 Teacher of the Year and nominated for the state award as well. After competing with teachers from around Indiana, Barkey was selected as the recipient of the state-level award. He will now be considered for the title of AFA National Teacher of the Year.

“I am honored by this award, however, the entire teaching staff at Washington Elementary deserve the credit,” noted Barkey. “I have learned so much during my time at Washington.”

From the classroom and beyond, Barkey has served WCS through a variety of positions including instructing science and math at Edgewood Middle School (2002-2011); coaching men’s golf (2002-present); working as the lead facilitator in STEM education at Washington (2012-present); and working as assistant principal at Warsaw Community High School (second semester 2016).

Barkey received his bachelors of science degree in biology and education endorsement and his master of arts in education from Ball State University. He resides with his wife, Dani, and their two children in Warsaw.