Honoring our Great-Hearted Veterans: Daniel Barkley

On this Veteran’s Day, we are privileged to count among our faculty and staff the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. Their courage, discipline, and devotion to service embody the same virtues we cultivate in the minds and hearts of our students.

Daniel Barkley is currently in his 17th year of teaching and has spent the past ten years at Anthem Prep as an Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Coordinator. But his journey to education began with a decade of service in the United States Marine Corps from 1995 to 2005. “As a young man, I knew college was in my future, but at 18 years old, I was more interested in serving my country and seeking adventure than sitting in a classroom,” shared Barkley. “I joined as a rifleman in the infantry, and my first deployment was with Security Forces, where I served overseas in Diego Garcia and Bahrain. After returning stateside, I was stationed at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, where I joined the Combat Instructor Company, helping to train future Marine Corps officers in infantry warfare and tactics.”

After completing his first enlistment, Barkley began college and joined the Marine Corps Reserves in Phoenix. “It was during this period, following 9/11, that I deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom,” he said.

After ten years of service, he decided to focus on his family and education, completing his term with an Honorable Discharge with the final rank of Staff Sergeant. “My time in the Marine Corps not only paid for my education but fundamentally prepared me for academic success.” He went on to attend Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor’s in fine arts, a master’s in special education, and a master’s in educational leadership.

“Serving in the Marines provided me with invaluable preparation for my teaching career through the development of leadership, discipline, and adaptability. In the Corps, I learned to communicate clearly under pressure, break down complex tasks into manageable steps, and motivate diverse groups of individuals toward common goals—all essential skills I use daily in the classroom,” he shared. “The Marines instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to those under my charge, much like the duty I feel toward my students. Additionally, my experience working with people from varied backgrounds fostered cultural awareness and patience, while the military’s emphasis on structure and accountability translates naturally into my approach to classroom management. Perhaps most importantly, the Marines taught me resilience and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations, qualities that serve me well when navigating the inevitable obstacles of education.”

Barkley said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Great Hearts. “I work alongside a great team with supportive leadership. Education is truly a family affair for us—my daughter attended both middle school and high school at Anthem Prep, and my son Diego joined me as a 6th grader during my first year of teaching at Anthem Prep. He graduated in 2023 and is currently a junior at ASU, making me incredibly proud as both a father and educator.”

On behalf of the entire Great Hearts community, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served. Your courage in defense of our country and your continued commitment to forming young hearts and minds inspire us daily. Thank you for living out the virtues that make both a great citizen and a great educator.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.