Feature Teacher: Mr. Baker displays positive attitude despite busy schedule

Written by: Elizabeth Prieksorn '14

      Most of us know the funny and energetic Mr. Baker. If you don’t know him, hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to have him as your teacher before the end of your high school career. Mr. Baker has been teaching here at Eaton Rapids High School for twelve years. He teaches Physics and AP Calculus. Mr. Baker has made many great friends and memories throughout his twelve years here. Of all the teachers that Mr. Baker has met that have come in and out of this school, Old Mr. Smith has had the biggest influence. Mr. Baker idolizes how much Old Mr. Smith enjoys his job.

      Mr. Baker attended Alma College. During his time at Alma he participated in track. Mr. Baker decided to become a teacher because he likes kids and likes getting to know people in the community. Before Mr. Baker was a teacher he was an engineer for twelve years. He loves hearing back from former students, seeing how they’re doing and what they’ve done with their life. It’s one of Mr. Baker’s favorite things about teaching.

      "Mr. Baker is one of my favorite teachers. He’s hilarious, caring, energetic and extremely helpful. My favorite memory with Mr. Baker would be when he showed me the "Extenuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative" song. I’m going to miss him a lot next year", says Kasidy Coats ’12. If you haven’t had Mr. Baker as a teacher yet, take note that his pet peeve with us students is when we say we can’t do something, and yet we haven’t even attempted. Mr. Baker has had an influence on many students here at Eaton Rapids High School. "He’s a very knowledgeable teacher. He is one of my favorite teachers", says Kate Laverty ’12.

      When Mr. Baker isn’t teaching at school, and filling our brains with all of his wisdom, he watches his kids play sports or spends time with his lovely wife, Patsy Baker. Mr. Baker and Mrs. Baker have been married for twenty years. Last year he would watch Robert Baker participate in swimming and cross country and would watch Bailey Baker participate in volleyball, softball, basketball, and track. Needless to say Mr. Baker had quite the busy schedule. This year with Robert off at the University of Michigan and watching Bailey, who is currently playing basketball right now.

      While growing up Mr. Baker worked very hard in school. Always pushing himself to be the best he could be and get the best grades he could get. His parents set high expectations and good grades were just expected. Mr. Baker appreciates that his parents set the bar high for him or he would not be where he is now. Mr. Baker has had a lot of fun so far this year. He enjoys watching his students grow as individuals.
      For all of the seniors out there, Mr. Baker has some advice. "There are opportunities everywhere out there; you just have to find them."