"I believe there is a special reason each student is placed in my classroom. I pray each year to have students placed in my homeroom that I can really help. "
Jan Baird is the 6th grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Park Road Elementary. She is in her 33rd year of teaching, spending the last thirteen years in Chandler. Born in Oklahoma, she grew up in New Mexico and reminds her students that yes, it is one of our 50 states! She attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.
Q What led you to teaching?
A I come from a family of educators. I also had to observe students in a classroom in one of my college classes. I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do, so I changed my major.
Q Did you have anyone who influenced who you are, and your decision to become an educator?
A My great grandmother was an advocate for educating indigent Indian children. I had listened to stories about her and her hard work in fulfilling this passion she had. I felt all children needed this compassion and I wanted to be a part of it.
Q What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A Well, it isn’t the pay. I think it is purpose. I believe there is a special reason each student is placed in my classroom. I pray each year to have students placed in my homeroom that I can really help.
Q What are you most excited or passionate about?
A I am very fortunate to be able to teach the subjects I absolutely love; Science and Social Studies.
Q What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A It is very challenging to get some students to understand they need to retain what they have learned and to not remember it only for an assessment.
Q What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A I had a parent tell me their son was answering history questions on the game show Jeopardy. When they asked him how he knew the answers he replied, “ Mrs. Baird taught us!” But mostly seeing progress and the learning achieved by my students, and always the hugs I get from former students.
Mrs. Baird was recognized as the Masonic Teacher of Today for the 2014-15 school year. But when asked about achievements in teaching she replied, “I don’t really pay attention to things like that. It’s an honor of course but, my students are the most important thing to me.”
She is married and has two sons, Ryan and Austin. She loves family gatherings, telling stories and laughing. She likes watching movies with her husband, reading, cooking, and her hobby is fossil hunting.
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