Teacher leaves impact on her school and students

Mrs.+Baxter+doing+what+she+does+best%2C+leaving+an+impact+on+her+students.+

Mrs. Baxter doing what she does best, leaving an impact on her students.

Skyler Gallegos, Ranger Review Reporter

Teachers often leave a big impact on their students in one way or another, specifically Mrs. Michele Baxter, a teacher in Lewis Palmer’s science department. Growing up, she never knew she wanted to be a teacher until after she and her husband were stationed in Germany, where she first started substituting.

“When we came back, I tried to find a job in microbiology, and I couldn’t find anything. I have always sort of had an interest in teaching, so I got my teaching license,” Baxter said.

Currently this year, Mrs. Baxter teaches Chemistry and Principles of Biomedical Science. What people do not know about Mrs. Baxter is the other numerous activities in which she is involved.

“Throughout the years, I have been the adviser for the National Honors Society, co-sponsor for Science Olympiad, co-sponsor for WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) and co-sponsor for the LINK program. I work the clock for volleyball and c-team basketball, sell tickets for soccer and manage the lacrosse games,” Baxter said.

Inside the classroom, however, there is a more personal connection that Mrs. Baxter shows to her students. She believes that students can be more successful if she provides a good learning environment for them.

“I try to make sure I am available for them and that they have ample opportunities to clarify instructions and practice on the assignments. I try not to be too strict but flexible and make sure students know they have a responsibility in the class,” Baxter said.

As a person, Mrs. Baxter has changed significantly. Not only do teachers leave impacts on students, but students do the same for teachers.

 “Teaching has made me more out-going. When I was in school, I wasn’t shy, but I wasn’t very out-going. I try and make sure I include everybody, and it has made me have better relationships with my students. And I feel anytime you have better connections with them, that makes you a better teacher,” Baxter said.