Karen Baker
Elementary Teacher
BA, Elementary Education and Special Education, Idaho State University
Karen Baker is an elementary school teacher at Inspire, the Idaho Connections Academy. She holds a bachelor of science in elementary education with a secondary major in special education from Idaho State University. She joined Inspire for the 2013 school year with five years of teaching experience. Ms. Baker shares more below:
“I became a teacher because I love learning. I want to share that love of learning with my students and with their families. I love building relationships with my students and their families and partnering with the Learning Coaches to educate our students.
Teaching online gives me the opportunity to get to know my students and families in a more meaningful way. I feel that I know more about my students’ interests than I did when I taught in a bricks-and-mortar setting. I also feel that I have a better relationship with my students’ parents. I speak to them much more often than the traditional two times a year at parent teacher conferences. Teaching online gives me the freedom to adjust the pace of instruction for each student. Learning is so much more individualized because students aren’t waiting for or trying to keep up with other students.
"Teaching online gives me the freedom to adjust the pace of instruction for each student. Learning is so much more individualized because students aren’t waiting for or trying to keep up with other students."
— Ms. Baker
Our school is rigorous and students and parents need to be prepared to work hard, especially during the first few weeks of adjusting to a new school setting. When beginning a new school environment, it’s important for families to “hang in there” and reach out to teachers for assistance. The rewards of seeing their child grow and learn are well worth the work.”