Nea Baker
I am an AACPS: Spanish Teacher, Lindale Middle | 2023 Teacher of the Year Finalist
We are excited to spotlight Nea Baker. Nea Baker is a 2023 Teacher of the Year finalist.
Ms. Baker was nominated by the school’s principal, John Nash.
The Lindale Middle School Spanish teacher is an Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) alum who brings international cultural awareness, creative thinking, and ingenuity to her students and peers.
We had an opportunity to talk with Nea about her year as a Teacher of the Year finalist. The full video conversation will be posted in this space after the 2023 Excellence in Education awards dinner.
Here are a few highlights of the conversation:
Describe who you are in 5 words or less.
Teaching is my God given purpose.
Tell me one thing you remember about your first year teaching.
I started teaching on the island of Barbados. I taught Spanish, but the standout memory was I had no idea what a lesson plan was because I wasn’t a classically trained teacher. I was handed 2 books and told to teach. For a bit I followed the book, but it got boring fast. So, I let my creativity flow by starting to do new things like having fashion shows and taking the students out to experience language.
Looking back, what would you tell your former self about your potential as an educator?
This is your calling and you will shine a distinct light. My students will be physicians, politicians and contributors to society. Families will benefit from your desire to bring out the best in students. Parents will be happy that Ms. Baker taught their children.
What one thing do you love about working in your school? with the students? and with the community?
I love the Lindale family. Every email is addressed that way. The school is a hub for the community. We do things like adopt a family to help families when they are in need.
What is your favorite memory of your family and friends supporting you on your journey as an educator?
My family is involuntarily included in my lessons. I randomly call them and include them in classes. I encourage them to tell my students about me as a person. They are very creative. They often decorate my classroom to help me produce a vibrant cultural environment. My fiance is great as well as he is open to help me practice different teaching strategies.
COVID really challenged teachers, students, families, and schools on a level beyond imagination. How has the experience of working through COVID and then returning to “normal” instruction made you a better teacher and person?
COVID was a challenge, but it helped me become more patient and understanding. On the instruction side, it has helped me find better ways to improve my small group instruction using technology. Returning to the classroom, I have been able to reap the benefits of the practices I picked up during COVID.
Thinking about the future of education, what are you most excited about for educators? for students? and for schools?
The potential of collaboration feels even more available because of the way we have adapted technology because of COVID. It allows students to know the world even more than ever before.
What is one hidden talent you have that no one, or few people, knows about and would surprise them?
I have a knack for interior design. I love it actually, especially in fashion and home designs.
If you had to make a time capsule about this year as a teacher of the year finalist and you had to include an item, an image, a quote and a song/melody, what would you include?
First would be an oyster, because it produces a pearl. Second would be a passion flower. The quote is “I’m preparing my field for rain to reap the harvest for what I have sown.”
For the last question, what is one reason why someone should choose to become a teacher?
So they can be the change they want to see. To be a teacher is a calling. It’s different from the regular 9-5. You can be the best advocate for kids who don’t have a voice and have dreams to be more. It’s a noble profession and students need your DNA to access and unlock what they are going to be.
Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department
The journey of an educator is a lifetime. We are thankful to those who have chosen to embark on this path. As a community, one of our greatest capacities is availability, so when the opportunities arise, find your own way to support education
