INTRODUCING
Kim Baker
ABOUT ME
I moved to Lakeville over 10 years ago from Iowa. I specifically moved to Lakeville for the schools and the reputation the district had with providing special education services. I’ve been married for over 20 years to my high school sweetheart and we have three children in Lakeville Schools; two in high school and one in middle school. We love the Lakeville community and all it has to offer!
NOT JUST A CAREER, A PASSION
I received my BA in elementary education and early childhood education from the University of Northern Iowa. I completed my masters degree in special education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. I am currently completing my administrative and director of special education license. I have worked for over 20 years in public education teaching special education. Teaching is my passion and I love helping children find their strengths and discover amazing new things! I have volunteered in the Lakeville School District for the past 10 years on the Special Education Advisory Council. I currently am the special education parent liaison where I provide support for parents and teachers through the special education process. I serve on two state boards, the Special Education Advisory Panel and the Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health. Being active and involved in my school and community provides me the opportunity to be a courageous advocate for all children.
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MY VALUES
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” I am the type of person that shows up everyday and always gives my best effort despite the challenges I may face. I teach my children that there is nothing more important than doing what you can to help others. We each can make the world a better place by choosing to do something, no matter how small, to help another person. I value hard work, integrity and honesty, and believe that respectful conversations can produce meaningful change when approached with an open mind. Everyone deserves not only a seat at the table, but a voice in the conversation.
A voice for kids,
A voice for families,
A voice for the community -
Kim Baker
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MISSION STATEMENT
The Heart In Education
There are certain qualities that make us human; the ability to empathize, show kindness, and help others. Empathy is a quality that helps one feel and understand the story, experience, and perspective of another person. It requires one to take a moment and view life from someone else’s perspective, and promotes compassion and the ability to engage with other people in a meaningful way. The purpose of a school is to provide an education for every student and to prepare students to be citizens in a community. Education is so much more than just learning academic knowledge, it is also learning how to be a person that can engage and interact with others. Each and every person is unique and capable of making amazing contributions to the world we live in.
MEET MY FAMILY
Our
Story
My husband and I grew up together in the same home town. We became best friends and later high school sweethearts. We have been married for over 20 years and have 3 amazing kids.
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Our kids have taught us the meaning of perseverance, the importance of empathy, and the value of a strong community. We are a family touched by disabilities. We feel it is important to share our story to help others understand and to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Our journey has not always been easy, but we have had a wonderful support system through teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, therapists, doctors, and our church community. Our kids are the reason we advocate and get involved. Together we can make a difference!