Barbara Fike
Democratic Candidate
Arizona House of Representatives
Legislative District 28
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A Bit About Me
Barbara is a second-generation Arizona native, educated in the state's public schools from kindergarten through university. She spent over 40 years teaching English and Social Studies in Arizona classrooms — middle school, high school, and community college.
Surviving polio in infancy left her with minor mobility issues and a lasting appreciation for vaccines, healthcare, and medical science, as well as deep empathy for the disabled community. Years teaching ESL gave her respect for the struggles immigrants face and a strong belief in the value of a diverse society. A retired economics teacher, she holds that education and healthcare are public goods that benefit all of society and should be funded as such.
Barbara is married to an architect and has two adult children — one in Oregon, one in Phoenix — along with two dogs and a cat at home. She's active in her church, particularly in music ministry and social justice work, and fills her free time with quilting, crafting, and reading.
About My Family
I have been married to a Phoenix area architect for over 30 years. We have an adult son and daughter who live in Oregon and Phoenix respectively, both of whom were educated in the Deer Valley District and at NAU. A Labrador Retriever who loves to swim in our pool, a bunny-obsessed rescue pup, and a sneaky but lovable black cat round out our family. We are very active in our church, Dove of the Desert UMC, especially in music and missions. Las Palomas del Norte Handbell Choir is our extra-curricular labor of love.
My Life in Arizona
Schooling
Working - Early Years
Working - Later Years
Retirement
I graduated from Alhambra High School and went to NAU for a Bachelor's degree in Social Science with a minor in Anthropological Linguistics, and later a Master's in Adult Education with dual emphasis in Social Science and English/ESL.
I didn't jump into teaching full time right away; I worked for a bit with DES Food Stamps and at a church for community development, and part time teaching ESL at Arizona Western College in Yuma, South Mountain Community College, Glendale Community College, and American Graduate School for International Management.
After I obtained my secondary teaching certificate, I taught English for 2 years at the high school in Parker, Arizona before coming back to the valley to begin a 31 year stint in the Deer Valley USD, where I taught middle school English for a while before transitioning to Social Studies and then moving to Sandra Day O'Connor High school teaching American History, Government, and Economics.
Since retiring in 2014, I have gone back to teaching English part-time at GCC and GCC North. I have become passionate about getting involved in my community and doing what I can to protect democracy in Arizona, which has led me to running for Arizona State Legislature.