Mike Barrett Joins Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops as Associate for Education

TALLAHASSEE, FL (July 29, 2020) – Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) is pleased to announce that Michael T. (“Mike”) Barrett, Esq. has joined the staff as an associate for education.

Barrett serves as a professional resource person for the FCCB in education matters; coordinates, monitors and advocates issues relating to government programs affecting Florida Catholic schools, their administrators, faculty, and pupils; and represents Catholic education at the state level in Florida and in coordination with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at the federal level. He represents the FCCB with the Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools (FAANS) and maintains relationships with various school-choice organizations and special needs groups.

Barrett brings valuable education and legal experience to his role. From 2011 to 2014, Barrett taught a number of math courses at Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Florida. During that time, he was also a member of the 2011 Teach for America Jacksonville Corps, coached multiple varsity sports, and served as the math department chair for the 2013-14 school year.

In addition to his teaching experience, Barrett also served in campus ministry at the Northeastern University Catholic Center in Boston, Massachusetts from 2010-2011.

Following his graduation from law school in 2017, Barrett returned to Florida and joined the Tallahassee office of Vezina, Lawrence, and Piscitelli, P.A. During his time with the firm, Barrett gained experience in complex civil litigation, administrative law, and appellate law. During law school, Barrett interned for the Honorable William J. Zloch of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

“We are very pleased that Mike has joined the team here at the Conference,” said Michael B. Sheedy, executive director, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. “His experience as an educator and his legal background will serve us well as he advocates for a strong education system and for parental choice in it.”

Barrett earned a B.S. in Political Science and History from Florida State University and a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School. He is also a proud graduate of Nativity Catholic School in Brandon, Florida. Barrett and his wife are new parents. They reside in Tallahassee, Florida and are parishioners at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Thomas More.