LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Shari Hongsermeier-Baxter was nominated by a colleague, Christina Chamberlain.

Ms. Hongsermeier-Baxter comes to school every day in an energetic, positive way. She not only goes out of her way to engage her students but has high expectations and shows that she cares about each one. Whether it's through her weekly "best friend" activity where the spotlight is on one student, letting kids express their individuality through presentations, or challenging students to be their best writers through outside-of-school contests...she has it covered!

Ms. Hongsermeier-Baxter is a born leader and a fighter for what is right. She respects all students and adults and shows kindness toward all. She demonstrates an excellent example of using strategies and following the requirements of the state and district. For instance, she teaches her students to be assessment-capable learners and uses many visual and mnemonic sayings to help students remember strategies to learn reading and writing standards. This is evident in her students' benchmark assessment scores (iReady) and state assessment scores (MAP). Also, she educates the whole child by filling her room with positive statements and always has a motivational comment after her students share information. Questioning the world through novels and plays is one of her go-to ways of teaching higher-level thinking skills.

Ms. Hongsermeier-Baxter belongs to several committees, dedicates her time outside school to help students through homebound services and tutoring, and volunteers to chaperone dances. She helps new teachers and is an asset to the administration and staff at Crystal City. Her students want to stop by, say hi, and ask her for advice. She takes the time to talk to students during her spare time and will use her planning time to help students struggling or trying to finish missing assignments. Ms. Hongsermeier-Baxter will support students who are not even in her class or those struggling with subjects other than the ELA that she teaches. She attends her students' after-school activities, such as football, volleyball, cross country, and plays. 

"Shari is dedicated, caring, and enthusiastic," said Chamberlain. "As a special education teacher who works directly in her classroom, I have witnessed many occasions where her students are made to feel important. Working with Shari Hongsermeier-Baxter has reminded me why I wanted to be a teacher. She is an inspiration to any teacher, and I am proud to call her friend."