Congratulations to Garfield Baker, our December Certified Employee of the Month!
A native of Jamaica, Baker has been teaching in Johnston County Public Schools for 21 years. He is an outstanding 8th-grade science teacher at North Johnston Middle School whose students regularly exceed expectations.
He provides high-quality instruction, sets clear expectations, and serves as a strong role model for both academic and personal growth.
Baker understands students’ social and emotional needs and intentionally incorporates meaningful conversations to support the whole child.
In addition to teaching, he coaches boys’ soccer and supports colleagues with positivity and teamwork.
He is married to Latoya Baker, also a classroom teacher, and they have two children, Samuel and Deziree.
Below, he shares a little about himself and his career as an educator.
What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
I was inspired to teach by a deep belief, rooted in my faith, that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
What lessons has the profession taught you about education, students, and yourself?
While content, methods, and technology may change over the years, the core needs of students, however, remain the same: to grow emotionally, mentally, socially, and academically so they can face the world as adults.
Because students develop at different rates and have different life experiences, patience and the wisdom to adapt our approach in meeting their needs are essential.
As an educator, building strong relationships with your students is paramount. What approaches do you use to create trust and bond with them?
Talking with students, even through a simple “good morning” or “how are you doing?”, helps in building genuine connections because they feel valued.
I also strive to be honest while showing respect. Students are more perceptive than we give them credit for, and when they believe adults are not being truthful, credibility and trust can be lost.
Holding students to high expectations while providing the support they need to meet them not only makes them feel valued and conveys that there is more within them, but also increases their confidence in the teacher as they discover their true potential.
Describe a memorable teaching experience that had a lasting impact on you. What made it special, and what did you learn from it?
One memorable moment began with a time when I told my class that they should be proud of who they are and focus on changing only what they need to.
Then, one day, a group of boys were working together and began teasing one boy about his physical appearance. Not realizing I was within earshot, he responded, “Mr. Baker said I must love myself.”
That moment made me realize that students listen to us more than we think, and we truly have the power to influence them in a positive way.
Looking ahead in your career as an educator, what goals would you like to accomplish in the field of education?
I aim to continue impacting students in whatever context I find myself in. Whether coaching or teaching, I will keep helping them grow and reach their full potential so they can be better prepared for the next phase of their lives.
This year’s theme is Forward, with a focus on our North Star - Student Achievement and Academic Growth. How do you plan to carry this theme into your classroom and continue building on your award-winning strategies?
Student achievement and academic growth occur when the whole child is supported in the classroom. I plan to continue teaching in a way that not only addresses academics but also fosters students’ mental, social, and emotional development.