Teacher Proud Tuesday: West High’s Fredilou Barla Inspires Confidence One Equation at a Time

At Hazelwood West High School, passion walks into the classroom every morning — and her name is Fredilou Barla.

Recently selected for our HSD Teacher Proud Tuesday recognition, Mrs. Barla has already made a remarkable impact in her first year in the District. With 20 years of teaching experience spanning the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and now the United States, she brings not only expertise in mathematics but an unwavering belief in her students’ potential.

When asked what motivates her, her answer is simple yet powerful.

“I believe that every student deserves a teacher who believes in them.” That belief is not just a philosophy; it is the foundation of her classroom.

Teaching in the United States was more than a professional goal; it was a dream. After years of teaching diverse learners in international schools, Mrs. Barla felt ready to embrace a new challenge. When she discovered Hazelwood School District’s mission and commitment to student growth beyond academics, she knew she had found the right place.

“I was amazed by their mission,” she shared. “To allow students to grow not just academically, but in other aspects too.”

That holistic approach aligns perfectly with her own.

Mathematics can feel intimidating to many students. Mrs. Barla understands that fear, and she works every day to transform it.

“What I observe with students,” she explained, “they’re afraid to answer, afraid to go to the board. So I always tell them, ‘Try your best. I don’t mind if it’s not the accurate answer. At least you tried.’”

In her classroom, mistakes are not failures — they are stepping stones.

Her greatest reward is hearing a student say, “I get it!”

“That ‘aha’ moment,” she said with a smile, “that motivates me to strive more every day as a teacher.”

Through encouragement, interactive activities, and a growth mindset approach, even her shyest students are finding their voices.

When asked about her “secret” to making a difference, Mrs. Barla didn’t mention curriculum or test scores.

“For me, the secret is to build relationships with my students,” she said. “When students know that their teacher cares, they will be motivated to be engaged in class.”

She makes it a priority to understand her students: why they struggle, why they might not complete assignments, and why they sometimes lack confidence. Her approach is rooted in empathy and consistency.

“I don’t give up on them,” she explained. “Even if they show attitude or struggle, I still believe that you can do it.”

And her students feel that belief.

For Mrs. Barla, teaching math is about more than equations and formulas.

“Education is not just about learning concepts,” she said. “It’s about teaching them the skills to survive in this world.”

She emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance — skills that extend far beyond the classroom walls.

“I tell them you can apply the skills you learn in math in your daily lives,” she explained. “It’s not just about the concept — it’s about analyzing and solving problems.”

Her energy is contagious. Her passion is unmistakable. Her mission is clear: change the mindset that math is “too hard” and instill confidence.

“You can enjoy math,” she insists.

Though it is only her first year at Hazelwood West, Mrs. Lubarla has already demonstrated what it means to teach with heart. She expresses deep gratitude to her administrators and colleagues for their support and feels honored to serve such a diverse community.

“I’m lucky to be here,” she said. “It’s a nice opportunity to teach diverse students with the right support.”

Teacher Proud Tuesday celebrates educators who make lasting impacts. Fredilou Barla embodies that spirit completely.

Her message to students is powerful. Her encouragement to fellow educators is timeless. Her belief in young people is unwavering. And perhaps her words say it best, “Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them.”

Because when a teacher believes, students begin to believe too.