First year teacher aims to help students

River Finnegan, Staff Writer

Kelly Baumgartner is a first year math teach and has already left a positive impression on her students by making sure they understand a topic and taking the time to talk to students who need extra help.

Brooke Petko, a junior in Baumgartner’s honors pre-calculus class, appreciates Baumgartner’s commitment to ensuring student’s success.
“She’s always willing to help us succeed. She will always make time to help students. Before school, after school, during lunch, anytime that a student needs help, she will make that time,” Petko said.
Lauren Sreniawski, a sophomore in Baumgartner’s honors pre-calculus class, agrees and says she cares about her students.
“She really puts time and effort into helping all her students, you can tell she really cares about you and your education,” Sreniawski said.
Students are not the only people impressed with Baumgartner.
“She always stays after school to make herself available to students who need extra help,” says Daniel Voss, a fellow math teacher. “Even after the students leave, Ms. Baumgartner stays to work on improving lessons so that her students get the most out of them.”
Baumgartner says that the biggest motivator is her students.
“The best part about my job is watching students grow and improve throughout the school year. The worst part about teaching is becoming a bag lady. So much to carry back and forth!” Baumgartner said.
Baumgartner claims she got her love for teaching from former instructors.
“I have wanted to be a teacher since the 3rd grade because my teacher, Mrs. Pedersen, was so amazing! I wanted to be able to help students the way she did,” Baumgartner said with excitement.
She teaches Honors Pre-Calculus and Algebra II, and is a long-time lover of all subjects pertaining to math.
“Math was always my favorite subject; however, it did not always my easiest subject. There were times that I really had to work at it, but I think that is how I grew to appreciate math,” Baumgartner said.
She also says high schools students are the best grades to teach because she can watch them grow.
“I chose to teach high school students because I feel that high school is an important time in students’ lives. I like the idea of preparing students for college and their future,” Baumgartner said. “I also don’t think I could handle elementary school kids all of the time. They have a lot of energy.”
Math isn’t the only thing she loves. She loves spending her time at live events.
“My favorite thing to do outside of school is go to concerts. I love live music!” said Baumgartner. During review sessions she can be heard playing Disney playlists on Pandora.