Austin, Windom named Teachers of Promise

In recognition of their accomplishments in the study of education, the School of Education has named Jesse Austin and Brittany Windom the 2017 spring Teachers of Promise. Each semester, two graduating Baker University students are selected to represent the program at the Kansas Excellence in Education Conference, where they will be officially recognized. They will also attend a workshop with other Teachers of Promise recipients from around the state.

Austin, from Baldwin City, Kansas, is majoring in K-12 physical education and health and pursuing licensure in special education. He is student teaching at the elementary level in Gardner, Kansas. Austin believes he wouldn’t be where he is today without a former high school teacher who greatly affected his life. He wants to share that experience with his students and advocate for all children.

Austin, who has not decided what he wants to teach after graduation said, “It’s less about the subject and more about just being able to teach kids. I want to be an educator because I truly believe it is the most important profession someone could have. There is so much value in a Baker education that receiving an award such as this is a tremendous honor.”

Windom, from Aurora, Colorado, is student teaching in a fourth-grade classroom in the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. After receiving her diploma, she hopes to stay in the Kansas City area, shaping students and creating the next generation of contributing citizens.

“This award is just a reminder that I am doing what I’m supposed to do and that I need to continue to work hard and educate myself to the best of my abilities,” Windom said. “Also, it’s a huge honor.”