Mary Bakke, second grade, Scott Elementary
Mary Bakke, 48, teaches second grade at Scott Elementary School, 500 Warwick Drive, Naperville. She has been teaching second and third grades for 25 years.
Education: Bachelor's degree in education from Hope College in Holland, Mich.; master of education degree (in curriculum and technology) from Benedictine University in Lisle.
Inspiration for becoming a teacher: "I grew up in Naperville, and I attended Beebe Elementary, Jefferson Junior High, and Naperville North High School. I had such excellent teachers, and they have always been my inspiration! My favorite teacher was Mrs. Doris Smith. She taught fourth grade at Beebe. I was very shy as a child, and Mrs. Smith always encouraged me to come out of my shell. She used to give me special jobs in the classroom. One day she let me put up a bulletin board display about Australia. I thought that was so neat. Perhaps she saw a future teacher in the making. Mrs. Smith was always so kind and caring. I loved the way she read stories to us, especially 'Charlotte's Web.' She was dedicated to her work as a teacher and devoted to her students. Mrs. Smith started each day with her lovely smile, and I'll never forget her."
Naperville's schools are known for their high level of achievement. We want to tell readers more about why that is. We bet it has a lot to do with great teachers whose passion is helping students learn to be successful. Tell us about a teacher who made a difference in your life. We'd like to feature the best in The Sun's Teacher Feature.
Nominate teachers by e-mailing nominations to thesun@scn1.com. Make sure to include the teachers' name, school they work for, contact information and why you think they should be featured. We look forward to learning more about why Naperville is such a great place to educate kids!
Craziest thing a student ever said to you: "One of the cutest things a student ever said to me was just this year. It was the first day of school. We were sitting in a circle and sharing a little bit about ourselves. I shared with the boys and girls about my family, our vacations this summer, and that I have been a teacher for 25 years now. One of my students, who look so surprised, stopped me and touched me on the arm. He thoughtfully said, 'Oh, Mrs. Bakke, you know you look like an adult. But you sure don't look that old!" I'll take that as a compliment!"
Favorite moment as a teacher: "I am always so thrilled when students have those "ah-ha!" moments. The light bulb goes on, and they understand. It's so exciting to see their progress during the year. They grow so much, and the hard work they have done really pays off. Second grade is a challenging year."
Best advice you have for students: "When I first began my career as an educator in District 203, we used to wear these buttons with the motto 'I CARE.' I thought that little expression was so powerful! Being a caring person is some of the best advice I can give to my students. When we care for others, we listen, and help those in need. We show respect and kindness when we care for people, animals, and the world we live in. When we care, we go the extra mile to lend a hand. When we care, we can make a difference in the lives of others."
Favorite topic to teach: "I love teaching reading! It is so much fun to teach, and students really enjoy it as well. Even though children live in an age of computers and iPods and video games, they still love books. I am always happy to see that! We discuss so many important ideas when we read books together. We also talk about how important it is to grow as a reader, and it's a skill you will use your whole life. Reading is taken very seriously by my students and all of Scott School!"
Recent accolades: "I received a wonderful award titled 'Those Who Excel' from my colleagues here at Scott School at the District 203 Awards night. I was also chosen by a former student to attend the Excellence in Education Banquet for seniors at Naperville Central High School a few years ago. This student named me as her 'Most Influential Educator.' I was both honored and humbled to receive such a lovely award. That meant so much to me!"
Who nominated her: Leslie Massow, Bakke's teacher's assistant last year, says Bakke is "very encouraging and inspiring not only to her students, but to me as well." Massow also says "she has a very gentle manner and it is evident that she cares for each and every one of her students.
"I have learned so much from her and know I will be a better teacher when I am fortunate enough to have my own classroom from having worked with Mary Bakke." Teacher feature
