Elkhart Central teacher is a finalist for "Teacher of the Year"

ELKHART, Ind.-An inspiring and dedicated teacher from Elkhart Central High School is a finalist for the 2018 Indiana Teacher of the Year award.

Kristin Baker has been a teacher for 18 years. But, for the last 3 years, Baker has been the head of the speech and theatre department at Elkhart Central.

Baker is the first educator from the school to become an award finalist and the fourth from the district within the last 20 years.

“I feel really honored,” Baker said. “The list of teachers that are in the top 10 have amazing credentials. I’m just doing plays and building confidence in kids, so I feel honored to be a part of that group,” Baker said.

Indiana’s Teacher of the Year program has been in place for more than 60 years. Finalists and the winner are chosen from a pool of applicants by a committee made up of past recipients, Indiana Department of Education staff and educators.

“She is the most inspiring person in my life and she just really made me feel comfortable in doing what I do,” said Adam Gilbert, one of Baker’s students.

Gilbert says Mrs. Baker gave him the confidence he needed to audition and get accepted into one of the most prestigious acting schools in the country, AMDA. Hear more about Adam here:

Baker is honored just to be nominated. But, if she wins the title, she hopes to encourage other teachers around the country and is excited to meet new people.

She will face the panel later this week. The winner of “Indiana Teacher of the Year” will be selected in October.