Kindergarten Teacher
In the kindergarten classroom, Mrs. Baker excels at teaching early literacy skills, inclusivity and character. She believes the best way to effect change in our world is through education, and is inspired by the joy, dedication, experience and love in each interaction with other Graland teachers.
Impacting Students
During our social studies units, All About Me and All About My Family, I enjoy teaching about identity. I think it is really important for students to reflect on what makes them special and to be celebrated for those differences. I also believe in the importance of teaching acceptance through learning from each individual’s differences while also finding similarities that bond us.
During our social studies units, All About Me and All About My Family, I enjoy teaching about identity. I think it is really important for students to reflect on what makes them special and to be celebrated for those differences. I also believe in the importance of teaching acceptance through learning from each individual’s differences while also finding similarities that bond us.
Lifelong Learner
Orton-Gillingham continues to be the most impactful professional development on my teaching practice. Teaching students how to read through a multi-sensory approach allows them to have multiple ways to get information into their long-term memory. Whether it is phonics, phonemic awareness or sight words, my students have the opportunity to attach learning through kinesthetic, tactile, auditory and visual activities.
Orton-Gillingham continues to be the most impactful professional development on my teaching practice. Teaching students how to read through a multi-sensory approach allows them to have multiple ways to get information into their long-term memory. Whether it is phonics, phonemic awareness or sight words, my students have the opportunity to attach learning through kinesthetic, tactile, auditory and visual activities.
Favorite Teaching Moment
I love to teach students how to read. It's in that moment when a student looks up at me with an expression of surprise and says, "Whoa! Mrs. Baker, I just read that!" that brings true joy to my teaching.
I love to teach students how to read. It's in that moment when a student looks up at me with an expression of surprise and says, "Whoa! Mrs. Baker, I just read that!" that brings true joy to my teaching.
Professional Passion
I believe in the importance of a strong foundation in literacy, writing and math skills. When students truly understand the "why" behind what they are learning, they are able to then apply that knowledge throughout the rest of their academic career. In addition to academics, I believe that Social Emotional growth and character are equally important. I am very passionate about reinforcing values, character, acceptance and kindness. Everything you need to know-- you learn in kindergarten!
I believe in the importance of a strong foundation in literacy, writing and math skills. When students truly understand the "why" behind what they are learning, they are able to then apply that knowledge throughout the rest of their academic career. In addition to academics, I believe that Social Emotional growth and character are equally important. I am very passionate about reinforcing values, character, acceptance and kindness. Everything you need to know-- you learn in kindergarten!
Feels Rewarded When …
… my students say that learning is fun!
… my students say that learning is fun!
Outside the Classroom I’m …
… laughing with my daughters and husband, running or doing yoga.
… laughing with my daughters and husband, running or doing yoga.
Fun Fact
I started my career in middle school. I quickly realized that it was not a good fit for me!
I started my career in middle school. I quickly realized that it was not a good fit for me!
Favorite Childhood Memory
Sharing ice cream sundaes with my grandfather. He taught me through modeling the importance of sharing and giving by always letting me eat the best parts.
Sharing ice cream sundaes with my grandfather. He taught me through modeling the importance of sharing and giving by always letting me eat the best parts.
Life Goals
Hike the Maroon Bells to Crested Butte trail
Hike the Maroon Bells to Crested Butte trail
Other than Graland, I Support
Alzheimer's Association, Food Bank of Colorado, Denver Kids
Alzheimer's Association, Food Bank of Colorado, Denver Kids
Joined Graland in...
2012
2012
Also Known As ...
Literacy PLC Member, Diversity and Equity Cohort Member, Literacy Department, Graland Parent
Literacy PLC Member, Diversity and Equity Cohort Member, Literacy Department, Graland Parent
Hometown
Mantua, Ohio
Mantua, Ohio
Education
BA in sociology/anthropology from Hiram College
MA in education from Oglethorpe University
BA in sociology/anthropology from Hiram College
MA in education from Oglethorpe University
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1924, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
