An Interview with New Teacher Kelly Baeza

Ms.+Baeza+on+the+far+right+at+Saddleback+Ranch+Cattle+Drive

Ms. Baeza on the far right at Saddleback Ranch Cattle Drive

Aura Carlson and Rose Houglet

What’s your name? Do you have a nickname? (Do you prefer Ms. or Mrs.?) 

Kelly Baeza. I prefer Ms. Baeza or Ms. B

What subjects do you teach?

Math

 

What did you teach before coming to Laguna?

I have taught math at Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, Santa Barbara Junior High, La Cumbre and La Cuesta Continuation High School since earning my teaching credential from UCSB (the same year as Mr. Chement) I also facilitated many math workshops for teachers when working at UCSB.

 

How did you find out about Laguna?

I have known Laguna since my childhood but found out about the open math teacher position on the internet.

Ms. Baeza and her daughter, Danielle at the Colorado River.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

The daily interactions with students and witnessing their growth is most enjoyable.

 

Where are you from originally?

SB

 

How did you spend your summer?

I went to Steamboat Springs, Colorado with one of my daughters and her boyfriend where we went on a cattle drive, zip lined, hiked and inner tubed down the Yampa River.

 

What was your favorite class in high school?

I lived in Pinedale, Wyoming as a freshman and they had the best PE class ever! We went skiing, mountain climbing, bowling and had tournaments in a variety of sports. 

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

You will often find me hiking on the trails of SB or walking on the beach.

Do you have any pets? What kind? Do you ever bring them to school?

I have a 14-year-old rabbit named Speckles.

 

What is one of the funniest experiences that you’ve had while teaching?

Oh my, there’s so many!

 

What are you most excited about for this year?

The opportunity to build new relationships with the Laguna community.