Arizona Teacher of the Year to Meet President Obama

PHOENIX - April 29, 2009 - One of Arizona’s top teachers is about to meet the President!

Sarah Baird, the 2009 Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) Teacher of the Year, will meet President and Mrs. Barack Obama at a special White House ceremony honoring the nation's best and brightest teachers. Baird is currently in Washington, D.C. representing Arizona in education-related events recognizing America's outstanding teachers.

Baird teaches K-5 math at Kyrene del Milenio and Kyrene de las Lomas Schools in Phoenix. She is well respected by parents, her fellow educators and the community for her dedication and commitment to helping students thrive in math.

Baird, a National Board Certified Teacher, has been teaching for 10 years. After being named Arizona’s Teacher of the Year, Baird said her success was based on her ability to relate to each of her students and make a positive difference in their lives.

“I am a firm believer that the way to a child’s mind is through his or her heart,” Baird said. “I know my students have the potential to go on to do great things, better things than I have done. The heart of my work, my philosophy, stems from the belief that human interaction and attitude trump assessment, curriculum, and planning.”

Baird is also a member of Science Foundation Arizona’s STEMaz (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Advisory Board, where she has made quite an impact, according to STEMaz Executive Director Darcy Renfro.

“Sarah's contributions to STEMaz are immeasurable,” Renfro said in an e-mail to program supporters. “We are honored and proud to have her as part of our team as we forge ahead with efforts to elevate STEM education statewide.”

In addition to meeting the President, as the AEF Teacher of the Year, Baird received a check for $20,000, a laptop computer from Intel, a full scholarship to Argosy University and the right to serve as Arizona’s candidate for 2009 National Teacher of the Year.

Baird will be considered by the Arizona Board of Regents to receive an Honorary Doctorate of humane letters from Northern Arizona University in the spring, and will attend International Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama in July.