Teacher Tuesday 20: Science + Coding All Star at ChangeMakers Academy... Brittany Baker!

Meet Brittany Baker, the 6th grade science and upper school coding teacher at ChangeMakers Academy. Brittany's energy is infectious and her class is hands-on and engaging. The passion that she has for her students, the learning process, and science/coding is phenomenal.   

An anecdote from Brittany's 6th grade team member: "Brittany is an absolute joy to work with. My students come back from Ms. Baker's class happy, interested and engaged about what they learn. They can't wait to share. In addition to students really loving Ms. Baker and her class, I enjoy working with her because she is passionate about teaching our students to celebrate and appreciate diversity, to embrace inquiry, and to show up in the world as their authentic selves. I am so glad I get to have her on our team!"

All about Brittany: 
I believe that arming ourselves with knowledge will enable us to change the world! I have always considered education my battlefield against injustice, and I am so grateful to be a part of the lives of my students, families, and colleagues. I grew up in a place where opportunities were hard to come by which created a strong desire in me to make the most of every chance I got. I graduated from Indio High School and went to college at the University of Redlands, where I double majored in Psychology and Education. After I graduated I immediately began my teaching career. I moved to Detroit, Michigan and received my teaching credential from the University of Michigan. I taught science in Detroit for five years and absolutely loved every minute of it. I also coached soccer and high school robotics (Go JungleBots 4851!) I came back to California to be close to my family again, and I chose to come to Caliber CMA because I feel our school truly gives students the tools they will need to pursue an amazing life. Science and technology shape our future so much, and I am passionate about helping students explore and become competitive in these fields. For me, ChangeMakers isn't just a name, we are truly going to change the way people connect to, create in, and care for our world!

A recent interview with Brittany: 
What is your favorite thing about teaching 6th grade coding and science at CMA? 
My students! It is so awesome to get to know their unique personalities and see them grow as learners. It brings me so much joy when the subjects I teach make them excited about learning and leads them to enjoy being at school.

What was your favorite subject growing up?
Although I liked English and History, I really enjoyed my electives (especially Ceramics and Sculpture) and being able to pursue artistic ventures in high school. It wasn't until college that I fell in love with science thanks to an amazing professor.

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
Always! Ever since I was little! I had this chalkboard that was as big as I was and I would grab all the stuffed animals and siblings I could wrangle and make them participate in my "class." I was a big nerd for school since the start!

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
I love all candy. A little too much. Doesn't matter what kind.

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I would love to travel to Ecuador, specifically the Galapagos Islands. I did a service project in Quito when I was in high school and I fell in love with the country and its culture. It is a truly remarkable place.

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Vallejo!)? 
Living right near the waterfront. I grew up in the desert so I love that Vallejo is right on the water. I walk my dogs downtown at the riverfront and get to enjoy the beautiful view.

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I am obsessed with building things! I actually really ENJOY putting together furniture or assembling complicated projects. I especially like making creative, cost-effective solutions to problems, like my weird installation in my classroom that allows me to turn on the motion-sensor lights without getting up from my desk. I'm a professional amateur engineer :)