Amy Baker is was named a 2014 Claes Nobel Top 10 Educator of the Year by the National Society of High School Scholars. Ms. Baker is a business, marketing, and finance teacher at Friendship High School in Wolfforth, Texas. In this Q&A, Ms. Baker discusses her inspiration and love for being an educator, as well as the challenges she faces as a modern-day educator. NSHSS

1. The National Society of High School Scholars
Learn. Lead. Change the World.
www.nshss.org

2. Conversation with
NSHSS Claes Nobel 2014
Top 10 Educator of the Year

3. Conversation with
NSHSS Claes Nobel 2014
Top 10 Educator of the Year
Amy Baker

4. Amy Baker teaches business, marketing and finance at Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas,
but she is really in the business of helping students find their passion and giving them the tools
to pursue it. Her consumer-oriented students easily relate to the subjects she teaches—sports
marketing, retailing, e-tailing, advertising—but, it’s the larger lessons of persistence, empathy and
leadership she imparts that distinguish her teaching and earned her the recognition as a
National Society of High School Scholars Claes Nobel 2014 Top Ten Educator of the Year.
Ms. Baker recently answered some questions about her philosophy and experience
to share with the NSHSS community.

5. Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?

6. Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired by my ninth grade English Teacher. He was the first person
who saw my potential and pushed me to grow. He was caring, involved and
enthusiastic about his subject. He used theme-based instruction to
introduce literary themes and essential vocabulary. We learned about the
Titanic, local murder-mystery stories and the Holocaust. For the first time in
my life I knew I was someone special and wanted to leave my mark on the
future of society. I knew after that year I would become a teacher. I wanted
to be just like him.

7. Q. What do you love about being an educator?

8. Q. What do you love about being an educator?
I love seeing kids change. I love watching students who are afraid and unsure of their abilities emerge as
confident and expressive individuals. I love watching students who are passionate about a particular subject push
beyond classroom requirements to reach for greatness. I love watching students who struggle finally find success.
Outside of the family, I believe educators can have the greatest impact on a child’s life.

9. Q. What is the biggest challenge of being an educator?

10. Q. What is the biggest challenge of being an educator?
The pressures and expectations for teachers are growing exponentially. Not only is there a burden to excel in your content area,
but to master every demand and change within the educational spectrum. We must be supervisors, career counselors, therapists,
managers, innovators and leaders. We are expected to meet the demands of parents, administrators, school board members
and legislators, sometimes with very little support or thanks. Teachers are often the first to blame for a child’s inadequacies or a
failing economy. BUT- we do it because, despite the challenges, we understand first-hand the critical importance of developing a
well-rounded and productive member of society. In the end, it is all worth it!

11. Q. What is your greatest wish for your students?

12. Q. What is your greatest wish for your students?
My greatest wish for my students is to see beyond their own sphere of influence. Your past and your
environment do not define you. Society’s failing ideals do not define you. Social media does not define you.
Life is not just about YOU. It is about serving others, stretching beyond your comfort zone, learning to work in
a global and diverse society and finding something you are passionate about. I teach my students to “Do what
you love, and love what you do!”

13. Q. What do you see as the biggest benefit of an NSHSS membership for
your students?

14. Q. What do you see as the biggest benefit of an NSHSS membership for
your students?
I wish all students would get involved with an organization like the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). NSHSS is
committed to helping students find their passion and become more involved in the world around them. The organization
recognizes student efforts through scholarships and award opportunities and provides valuable resources for students as they
determine their chosen career path. I would encourage all teachers to talk to their students about joining NSHSS.