Dave Barakat

My full name is David Taylor Barakat and I am so pleased be a part of the outstanding Meadows community. I grew up in Manhattan Beach and attended Pennekamp Elementary, MBI (the old middle school) and Mira Costa. I then attended UC Santa Barbara where I majored in Sociology and minored in Anthropology.

It was during that time that I first started working with children at a pre-school near campus. I spent 2 years working with children ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years but my favorites were the 4 and 5 year olds. Their enthusiasm and natural curiosity fascinated me and is what led to my becoming a teacher.

After graduating from UCSB I attended UC Santa Cruz and received my elementary teaching credential and Master's Degree in Education in 2004.

Besides teaching I enjoy spending time at the beach and studying art and film. I also love to read and travel and have been to many exotic locations such as El Salvador, Saipan, South Africa, Korea, Germany, Hawaii and The Caribbean. I even spent my 5th grade summer driving cross-country with my family.

My mother's name is Beverly Read and she currently teaches 7th grade English at MBMS. My father works in aerospace and my sister is in advertising.

I feel so fortunate to have found a place at Meadows and love working with 4th graders. I really enjoy teaching Social Studies and am constantly amazed at the ideas the students are able to grasp. Most of all, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community that provided me with so much and hope to be at Meadows for many years to come.  

Dave Barakat