Renowned for fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Tyrone mathematics teacher Brittany Baker has made a lasting impact on her students.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Baker decided to go into teaching.
Baker instructs various areas of mathematics, including Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry. Additionally, Baker has prior experience teaching middle school mathematics, as well as Algebra 2, Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus, and Statistics.
Tyrone junior Reilly Rawlings reflects on his experience in Baker’s classroom. “The thing I remember the most about Ms. Baker’s was the fun learning environment,” Rawlings said.
“She was always laid back and fun-loving. She was the reason that I passed Algebra 1.”
Outside of the classroom, Baker serves as a co-advisor for the prom, alongside fellow mathematics teacher Chelsey Markel, helping to ensure a smooth and exciting prom experience.
What inspired you to go into teaching and/or choose the subject you teach?
My mom is a teacher and I had a lot of great teachers when I was in school. I wanted to be able to have a positive impact on students like my teachers had a positive impact on me. At first, I thought I wanted to be an English teacher! But as I moved throughout high school, I liked the challenge of my upper-level math classes and figuring things out. So I decided to go into math instead.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is watching students have their “ah ha” moment—when they’ve been working hard on a topic and it just finally clicks for them and they understand it.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I enjoying hanging out with friends and family, going to the beach, Jazzercise, and shopping.
What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
Probably the best advice I’ve received is to not be too hard on yourself, especially early on in your career. Another good piece of advice was to make friends with veteran teachers-you can learn a lot from them.
What is the hardest part of teaching and why?
One of the hardest things about teaching can be getting students motivated to do their work when they’re fully capable of completing it.
What are some of the jobs you held before getting into teaching?
Before teaching, I worked at a golf course and I also worked at the Penn State bookstore at the Altoona campus.
What is your best advice to students?
My best advice to students would be to always do your best, be respectful and kind to your teachers and peers, and never stop learning.
