The Highland Park School District recently appointed Dr. Anita Bates to the Barber Preparatory Academy Board of Directors for a two-year term.

A Highland Park native, Dr. Bates holds a PhD in education, a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and a K-12 teaching certificate from Wayne State University. She also received a Master of Arts degree in studio art from Eastern Michigan University. As an educator and noted contemporary artist, Dr. Bates will now share her knowledge and love of education with local scholars.

Dr. Bates began her K-12 education career 24 years ago at the University Public School, Michigan’s first charter school. She is a dedicated arts educator, whose research interests center around the ways in which museum narratives can be used to promote critical thinking regarding systems of inequity and representation.

“It’s an honor that I’m able to serve Barber Preparatory Academy and the community where I grew up,” said Dr. Bates. “Having taught at the state’s first charter school, I know how important they are in designing classrooms that meet students’ needs. I want to bring my experiences and knowledge to Barber Preparatory Academy and help make a difference.” With her extensive background in education and art focusing on inequity and representation, Dr. Bates is sure to bring an innovative outlook to the Board of Directors and Highland Park School District. Currently, she serves as a lecturer and program coordinator for Visual Art Education and the Social Sciences at Wayne State University.

Highland Park School District provides a high-quality public education that assures students will receive a comprehensive learning experience which prepares them to compete in a global 21st century society. All students achieve their maximum potential through a rigorous and engaging curriculum, with the support of a caring and prepared faculty, and a safe and secure learning environment that cultivates success for life. For more information, visit hipark.org