Marshalyn Baker

Oakland, ME | 7-12, Mathematics, 1994

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

My 1994 Presidential Awardee selection opened so many doors for me, both professionally and personally. The network of excellence in STEM education was now at my fingertips. I connected with others to improve STEM education in my own middle school mathematics classroom, in my district, in my state, and nationally. I was recognized not only for my efforts and teaching, but definitely had a way to give back to students through excellent mathematics teaching and a wealth of resources and research.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

My professional expertise was sought after: to write NASA curriculum, to serve as president of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine, and to serve on the NCTM Board.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

Since I am now retired, I have served as a mentor to other teachers, have spoken at conferences, and help involve others to advance STEM both in my state and nationwide.

Biography

Marshalyn Baker has been an educator for 39 years, retiring from the classroom in 2012. Half of her career was as a self-contained classroom teacher of grades four through six; the other half was spent as a middle school mathematics teacher at Messalonskee Middle School/Williams Jr. High, where she taught when she received the PAEMST award. Marshalyn's passion was building a mathematics team and guiding mathletes as they competed regionally, statewide, and nationally. She also worked with NASA scientists to build enriching curriculum with a strong mathematics focus. Career highlights were going to Space Camp and taking part in educational initiatives at several space centers. She had the opportunity to witness three space launches. Marshalyn took on several leadership roles. She was president of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine and was the first from her state to be elected to the NCTM Board of Directors. She has also been a board member for the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Since her retirement, she has worked for the National Assessment of Educational Progress as an assessment coordinator and has been a field coach for the Maine Mathematics Coaching Project. She is now working with PAEMST as Maine’s Alumni Representative. Marshalyn graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with her B.S. in elementary education; M.S. in literacy; and C.A.S. in mathematics, science, and technology. Marshalyn received the 2001 Jacqueline Mitchell Mathematics Educator Award and has been recognized by NASA as an educational contributor to Expedition Earth and Beyond. She and her science partner received a Growth Initiative for Teachers grant for their integrated project, “Is Our School Sick?” She has spoken at state, regional, and national conferences.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.