While other kids might have hoped for toys on Christmas morning, Magdalin Barno, MA ’27, was happy to unwrap pens and notebooks. Barno, whose mom went from being a daycare provider to a teacher, grew up around education, and her interest in learning eventually led her to Azusa Pacific University. Today, she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and her teaching certification while running her tutoring business, Nurturing Minds Tutoring, and working as a substitute teacher at a public elementary school in Michigan.
From a young age, Barno knew she wanted to be a teacher of some kind. “I would give homework to my little sister, telling her she had to be done with it by the time I got home,” said Barno. But once she got to high school, Barno questioned whether becoming a teacher would be worth it in the long run. “Teachers from high school would tell me: ‘Magdalin, this is you. This is who you were meant to be. Can you even see yourself doing anything else?’” said Barno. “I have tried to leave this field, and I always get pulled right back in.”
At 20-years-old, Barno began teaching fifth- through ninth-grade students at a homeschool center. “As my schedule got busier, I wasn’t able to stick to their schedule,” said Barno. “I realized working for another company held me back in how much I am able to provide for students.” This realization led Barno to start her own company, Nurturing Minds Tutoring. “I threw myself into this company and gave it to God,” Barno said. “Every time I met with a potential client, I would ask the Holy Spirit to do what It would. If it was meant to be, let it be.”
Shortly afterward, Nurturing Minds grew quickly. “I had 30 to 40 kids at one time,” said Barno. “Through my company, I was able to provide the care aspect of education and teach these kids that they really matter.” Graduating from California State University, San Marcos in 2024, Barno had several opportunities to work with English Learners (EL). “I currently teach in a community with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Barno. “Being a Catholic Christian in this field reminds me that everyone has a different background.” Several of the children Barno has tutored are also Christians, which allowed her to have conversations with them about how Christ is the center of their lives.
After relocating to Michigan, Barno began working as a substitute teacher at a public elementary school. “It’s all about creating those relationships, creating a safety net for kids to feel like they can come up and talk to you and be comfortable with you,” said Barno. During her time teaching, Barno noticed how many students have continued to grow under her care. “I recall navigating difficulties with classroom behavior and student cooperation,” said Barno. “Compared to this year, seeing these students’ enthusiasm, their drive to do well, and try their best every day, has brought some love for teaching back to me.” As her time continued, Barno began to see how consistent support could shape a student’s experience beyond the classroom. “Things happen, kids struggle, and you just have to keep rolling with it,” said Barno. “You have to be patient, understanding, loving, and kind with them.”
At APU, Erin Thorp, PhD, assistant professor and director of TESOL programs, has served as Barno's mentor during her time here.
Dr. Thorp’s grace and patience toward me have helped me be more understanding of people’s situations. She has led by example in reminding me all the ways my faith is tied to this career.Magdalin Barno, MA '27
As Barno continues her graduate studies and work with students, she carries that example into each classroom and tutoring session. From giving her little sister homework to building a tutoring business, she remains committed to helping students feel supported, valued, and capable of growing.