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Presenter
Heather Baker
Specialty Areas:
teacher leadership, elementary education, STEM
About:
Heather Baker has been an educator for eleven years and currently teaches 6th grade at Tustumena Elementary School. Heather is a core member of her district’s CHAMPS Leadership Team, where she facilitates and presents professional development focused on elevating teacher leadership. Her work centers around helping educators implement student-driven, project-based learning through cross-content units—particularly those with a strong emphasis on elementary science. She has shared her expertise at both state and local conferences.
Beyond the classroom, Heather has served as a migrant education tutor, led K-Beach’s STEM Club, supported school family nights, and taught coding to underprivileged high school students through Upstream Academy. In her classroom—affectionately known as “PortableLand”—student engagement is tangible. Students have designed and built their own tables, benches, terrariums, plant and animal habitats, and even a weather station as part of their hands-on learning experiences.
Heather’s work has been recognized with several honors, including being named the ACE Teacher of the Year in 2019, Alaska Teacher of the Year Alternate in 2023, and most recently, receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Southern California.
Top Courses
Empowering Students to Build Community Through Media Creation
Tuesday, July 1st, 02:00pm - 03:00pm
In an era where student voice and agency are paramount, this session will focus on innovative strategies to empower students while building community within their schools. By communicating through newsletters, social media posts, and classroom video updates, students will not only enhance their media literacy, but also foster meaningful connections between families and the school community. This session will highlight how students can utilize various platforms, such as podcasts, AI tools, video production, and photography to cover classroom activities and events throughout their school. We will share practical insights into implementing this student-led initiative, including frameworks for project planning, assessment rubrics, and strategies for managing student contributions. Join us to discover how empowering students as content creators can strengthen community ties, amplify their voices, and create a vibrant school culture where every member feels valued and connected.
Heather Baker has been an educator for eleven years and currently teaches 6th grade at Tustumena Elementary School. Heather is a core member of her district’s CHAMPS Leadership Team, where she facilitates and presents professional development focused on elevating teacher leadership. Her work centers around helping educators implement student-driven, project-based learning through cross-content units—particularly those with a strong emphasis on elementary science. She has shared her expertise at both state and local conferences.
Beyond the classroom, Heather has served as a migrant education tutor, led K-Beach’s STEM Club, supported school family nights, and taught coding to underprivileged high school students through Upstream Academy. In her classroom—affectionately known as “PortableLand”—student engagement is tangible. Students have designed and built their own tables, benches, terrariums, plant and animal habitats, and even a weather station as part of their hands-on learning experiences.
Heather’s work has been recognized with several honors, including being named the ACE Teacher of the Year in 2019, Alaska Teacher of the Year Alternate in 2023, and most recently, receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Southern California.
Adam Fragale
Adam Herman
Alex DiStasi
Alexandra Kummernes
Alice Keeler
Allison Hardy
Ashley LaGrow
Ben Smith
Bonnie Nieves
Brittany Handler
Carrie Morrison
Caylie Gaccione
Cheryl Crawford
Christine Bell
Christine Ravesi-Weinstein
Christopher Lozzi
Cori Frede
David Hotler
Dene Gainey
Diomedes Gonzalez
Dr. Joy
Dr. Mervin Jenkins
Dr. Monica Burns
Emma Foley
Greg DaSilva
Heather Baker
James Sanders
Jana Vanya
Jed Stefanowicz
Jessica Lane
Jessica Wenke
Joseph Quadrino
Joseph Reyes
Julia Fallon
Kelly Mancuso
Kenna Torp
Laura Jakubowski
Laurie Guyon
Lindsey Merrow
Mandy Froehlich
Matt Joseph
Matt Thaxter
Meghan Magone
Michael Cohen
Michele Haiken
Michelle Blanchet
Michelle Conway
Michelle Hollander
Natalie McGee
Natalie Vardabasso
Nicole Mathew
Nicolette Valenti
Patrik Nilsson
Peter Katcher
Rachelle Dené Poth
Rebekah Corace
Robert Abraham
Robert Wayne Harris
Skyla Lilly
Stephanie Barragan
Terry VanNoy
Tisha Poncio
Tricia Umhafer
Yaritza Villalba
Additional Presenters Jennifer George
Adam Herman
Alex DiStasi
Alexandra Kummernes
Alice Keeler
Allison Hardy
Ashley LaGrow
Ben Smith
Bonnie Nieves
Brittany Handler
Carrie Morrison
Caylie Gaccione
Cheryl Crawford
Christine Bell
Christine Ravesi-Weinstein
Christopher Lozzi
Cori Frede
David Hotler
Dene Gainey
Diomedes Gonzalez
Dr. Joy
Dr. Mervin Jenkins
Dr. Monica Burns
Emma Foley
Greg DaSilva
Heather Baker
James Sanders
Jana Vanya
Jed Stefanowicz
Jessica Lane
Jessica Wenke
Joseph Quadrino
Joseph Reyes
Julia Fallon
Kelly Mancuso
Kenna Torp
Laura Jakubowski
Laurie Guyon
Lindsey Merrow
Mandy Froehlich
Matt Joseph
Matt Thaxter
Meghan Magone
Michael Cohen
Michele Haiken
Michelle Blanchet
Michelle Conway
Michelle Hollander
Natalie McGee
Natalie Vardabasso
Nicole Mathew
Nicolette Valenti
Patrik Nilsson
Peter Katcher
Rachelle Dené Poth
Rebekah Corace
Robert Abraham
Robert Wayne Harris
Skyla Lilly
Stephanie Barragan
Terry VanNoy
Tisha Poncio
Tricia Umhafer
Yaritza Villalba
Additional Presenters Jennifer George
