1. CYNTHIA M. BARRY
TOUCHSTONES TEACHER OF THE
YEAR AWARD
In recognition of teachers in North America who use Touchstones, the Cynthia M. Barry
Touchstones Teacher of the Year Award was established in 2011. Mrs. Barry has used
Touchstones at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Day School for more than eleven years. She
recognizes the important transformation that Touchstones discussions bring about in
her students, and wanted to help Touchstones publicly acknowledge and celebrate the
contributions of a model Touchstones teacher each year.
2011 Award winner Debbie Wilkins (center) with her children.
Debbie Wilkins from North Salisbury Elementary School in Salisbury, Maryland, was
selected as the first recipient of the Cynthia M. Barry Touchstones Teacher of the Year
Award in 2011.

2. 2012 Award winner Garreth Heidt (l) and Award founder, Cynthia M. Barry (r).
The 2012 winner was Garreth Heidt, a Humanities teacher from Perkiomen Valley
Middle School East in Collegeville, PA. The 2013 award was presented to Steven
Davidson, a high school teacher in the North East San Antonio School District
(NEISD).
2014 Award Winner Myke Healy (r) with Cindy Barry (l).
At Touchstones’ special 30th Year Gala event in December of 2014, Myke Healy,
Director of Teaching & Learning at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, was
recognized as the 2014 recipient.

3. 2015 award winner Shanelle Muse (r) with Cindy Barry (l).
The 2015 award was presented to Shanelle Muse, a 5th grade teacher at Learning
Community Charter School in Jersey City. She has taught over 100 students using
Touchpebbles as an integral part of her English class. Even in her acceptance speech,
Shanelle demonstrated her heart as a true educator and role model by sharing her
student Emily’s perspective: “[Touchpebbles] made me think more about the world in
different perspectives. It also gets me ready for the real world… it will also help everyone
stand up for what they believe. After we finish you feel empowered and feel strong, like a
gust of wind.”
Please contact Touchstones by phone (410) 604-3309 or email if you have any questions
about the nomination process, the form, or the award.
Articles about the Cynthia M. Barry Touchstones Teacher of the Year Award
 Myke Healy Named Teacher of the Year – The Northumberland View – Oct 2014
 Garreth Heidt Named Teacher of the Year – The Key Reporter – March 2013
 Teacher creates national award for discussion-based instruction – The Capital – October 2011