Local teacher gets national recognition
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ARLEE – High school English teacher Anna Baldwin moved up the ranks of recognition as an outstanding teacher from a state level to national ranking.
As last year’s Montana Teacher of the Year, Baldwin said she was automatically put in for the National Education Association’s Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, but other teachers at the school said she was chosen for being a great teacher. Even if getting into the competition was easy, she was selected as one of the top five among teachers from competing states.
“Anna has been selected for this award by her peers because she has attained the highest teaching standards, as shown by her exemplary instruction, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, leadership in professional development, and engagement of parents and community,” said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “Honoring these educators is our way of thanking them, and all the public school educators they represent, for their excellent work.”
The final five go on to the award’s ceremony on Feb. 13 in Washington, DC where a single teacher is chosen for a second national education award.
“I’m going back to DC,” she said of the ceremony. “It’s a big thing where people get dressed up. A lot of people are going to be there.”
Baldwin said being awarded allows her to share her ideas with a larger audience.
“This allows me to have more of a voice to talk about what’s important,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of voice this past year and this extends that. Every teacher has something to offer, but getting awards gives you a platform.”
Baldwin hopes to continue to use her voice to encourage teachers and discuss education. She used her title as Montana Teacher of the Year to speak with future and current teachers at the Salish Kootenai College and the University of Montana. She’s reached out to all schools across the state as a speaker. Along with leading workshops and giving lectures, she’s learned some things.
“This past year, I’ve learned about myself,” she said. “I’ve learned that if I want to do something, I’ll find a way to do it. It does take help, but if it’s getting T-shirts made or a book club, I can get it done.”
She also has goals for the future of education.
“On a larger scale, I want to improve schools,” she said. “On a smaller level, I’m always looking at ways to improve my classroom. I’m always energized to make a difference. This award or awards shows me I can do it.”
Baldwin gave away her secret for making it in to the top five.
“I have a sense of responsibility, to make a difference,” she said. “I’m trying to make as big a ripple effect as I can make. I think what I believe came across in the application, which is a lesson to anyone: writing can get you opportunities. I guess it’s no surprise that I can write since I’m an English teacher.”
Baldwin thought about how the awards might affect her classroom.
“I don’t want recognition to negatively affect my classroom,” she said. “I try not to let it be disruptive. But it does have benefits.” With the Horace Mann award, her classroom was given $650. Baldwin was also given personal cash awards and educational tools.
