Kim Tarkenton joined the Barton faculty in 2013, having taught 11 years in public education as an elementary teacher and 19 years in higher education in Early Childhood Education. She has worked as a literacy teacher leader and lead teacher in the public school system, where she trained teachers in various curricular areas. She received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and a K-6 Elementary Teaching License from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her master’s degree from North Carolina State University in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Adult Education. Additionally, she holds a K-12 Reading License, Mentor Certification, and NACADA Certification. Tarkenton received National Board Certification in Early Childhood and a Teaching in Excellence Award for faculty of the year; and she was a top 10 finalist for faculty of the year within the North Carolina Community College system. Additionally, she has served on numerous boards and committees throughout her teaching career.