Cheryl Barker, Ph.D.

Cheryl Barker, Ph.D. is the Pastor of Consuming Fire Ministry International and former Principal of Thaddeus Stevens PS 81 in Brooklyn.

Dr. Barker began her career with the New York City Department of Education in 1990 as a teacher, and taught for 13 years in various capacities that include Math Coach, ELA Coach, Science Teacher, and Lead Teacher.

In 2003, she assumed the position of Assistant Principal and worked in that capacity for one year. In 2004, Dr. Barker achieved the position of Principal, where she remained until her retirement. At PS 81, she created a learning environment that supported professional development for her staff, and academic and social achievement for students.

Dr. Barker’s educational philosophy encompassed the core belief that every child can learn, grow and achieve. As an instructional leader, she believed that the fundamental principles of high expectations and excellence permeate all areas of our professional learning community, with students, teachers and parents collaborating to improve the primary goal of student achievement.

As a Christian, Reverend Barker has dedicated herself to pursuing higher education in Christ at Bible School, where she successfully earned a Ph.D. in Theology. As a Pastor, Dr. Barker is committed to feeding both the lambs and the sheep of God’s flock. As a leader, she is a servant of God’s people, following the perfect example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Barker has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including: mentor for new assistant principals affiliated with the New York City Leadership Academy; inductee to the Kingsborough Wall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding achievement; recipient of Brooklyn College’s Joseph J. Cohen’s Award for Excellence in Education; and 2008 Cahn Fellows participant.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, family member and friend, Dr. Barker can be described as a beautiful, humble, caring, honest, giving, dependable and down-to-earth human being by all who know and love her.