Position: Criminal Justice Teacher
School: Caribou Tech Center
School District: Eastern Aroostook RSU 39
City, State: Caribou, ME
Amanda Baker was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Baker, a 2015 Distinguished Staff Award winner, strives to cultivate a positive and respectful classroom environment by embodying the principle of the Golden Rule: treating others as she wishes to be treated. This is reflected in her daily interactions with students—greeting each one by name as they enter, taking a genuine interest in their lives outside the classroom, actively listening to their responses, and consistently treating them with kindness and respect. Ms. Baker also prioritizes creating a sense of joy and connection by finding opportunities to bring laughter into her learning space.
When she asks her students to put forth their best effort, Ms. Baker leads by example. Whether it's participating in physical training days or committing to challenges like completing 1,000 push-ups in a month, Ms. Baker actively engages alongside them. By working hard with her students, she aims to model dedication, build trust, and reinforce the collaborative spirit that defines their classroom community.