Voices from the Field: Adriana Baez 

 Adriana Baez, teacher at Fenton Charter Leadership Academy and former Commission student liaison.

Voices from the Field: Adriana Baez shares her insight on ‘the profession that creates all other professions’

As millions of California students head back to school for the 2024-25 academic year, teachers like Adriana Baez are busy creating a welcoming classroom environment and an enriching educational experience. 

Baez is a first grade teacher at Fenton Charter Leadership Academy in Sun Valley, CA, and former Commission student liaison. In this edition of Voices from the Field, Baez reflects on her journey and considers the future of the teaching profession.

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher to be a mirror for students. That no matter who you are or where you come from you can achieve anything you put your mind to. 

In what ways do your students inspire you? 

My students inspire me by instilling the hope of what is yet to come, by igniting new ideas, and always reminding me how important it is to laugh. 

What would you tell high school or college students who are considering becoming educators?

I would tell high school or college students who are considering becoming educators to do it-go for it! Working in education provides so much joy and fulfillment but most of all you are a role model for each of those students. Whether you teach TK or college, it really is the profession that creates all other professions. 

Why did you feel it was important to join the Commission? 

I felt it was important to join the Commission because teachers deserve to have a voice in the educational policies that directly affect them. I felt it was important to be a conduit between the Commission and Educator Preparation Programs. 

What are your hopes for the future of teaching as a profession?

My hopes for the future of teaching as a profession is for teaching to be seen as the professional career that it is. Meaning, we put in so much time, effort, and money to curate the absolute best for our schools and our students that the profession should be regarded in higher esteem. Teaching is beyond the decor of a classroom, (which takes a lot of time by the way) it is designing differentiated pedagogical lessons where every student, everyday learns in a safe and enriching environment. As a result of this, the teaching profession deserves more recognition for the immense work and talent it requires to excel in this practice.