EPISODE 5: JESSIE BARRIE

Dr Jessie Barrie – Head of School at Bosque School.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jessie Barrie has had a diverse and impactful career in education. After growing up in Toronto and attending St. Clement’s School, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Acadia University in Nova Scotia before earning her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizations from the University of Santa Barbara.

 Jessie’s passion for outdoor education led her to unique teaching environments across the globe, from the outback of Australia to the peaks of Southeast Alaska, the jungles of Fiji, and the river crossings of the Gila. These formative experiences shaped her approach to education, focusing on providing transformative opportunities that help students grow as learners, leaders, and community members.

 In 2005, Jessie moved to Albuquerque for a professional opportunity, not knowing much about the city beyond its pop culture references. She joined the Albuquerque Academy, where she served for 14 years as chair of the experiential education department and was a key member of the academic leadership team. Her dedication to experiential learning extended beyond the classroom as the founding executive director of the Independent Schools Experiential Education Network.

 On July 1, 2019, Jessie became the fourth head of school at Bosque School, where she continues to champion "challenging education" while fostering a strong, trust-based connection with her students. Jessie firmly believes in the value of the trust students place in her, as well as the impact educators have on their lives, echoing Forest Witcraft’s sentiment that "the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

 Jessie also chairs the New Mexico Association of Independent Schools (NMAIS) and is an active member of the Albuquerque community, living in the North Valley with her three children. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys horseback riding, dabbling in tennis, pickleball, and skiing.