Teaching is a calling: Baker wants children to leave her classroom ready to tackle any obstacle

For Tamela Baker, being a teacher involves much more than just standing in front of a group of kids and talking.

Tamela, who teaches fourth grade language arts at Gonzales Elementary School, is all about helping children reach their full potential, and says giving children the emotional support they need is vital to their success.

Born and raised in Gonzales, Tamela went to school here and graduated from GHS in 1992. She then attended Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University) for approximately three years before transferring to The University of Houston-Victoria.

“I graduated in December 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a specialization in English,” she says. “I started teaching in August of 1998.”

Tamela says she originally went into college with an undecided major and the possible intention of becoming an attorney.

“I took several courses in criminal justice and realized that was not the right fit,” she says. “Then I took a child psychology class. Wow! It was like a fire was ignited inside my heart! It was during that second semester class of my freshman year in college that I realized that whatever my profession was had to involve helping children. I started thinking about all my former teachers and the impact they made on my life. That’s when I migrated to teaching. What better way to positively impact the life of a child.”

Tamela says her favorite part of teaching is helping a child achieve something they never felt was attainable.

“There is no greater joy or reward in life,” she says. “Also, I want to know that when students leave my classroom, they haven’t just learned the content I’m expected to teach. I want them to have a greater feeling of self-confidence and to know that they can tackle any obstacle thrown in front of them just by sheer determination and hard work. I want them to build character and learn skills that will help them make good decisions as adults. I want them to feel loved, respected and appreciated.”

Clearly a people person, Tamela says it’s always a treat to see and hear from her former students.

“Just this summer I saw three former students at various places around town,” she says. “The hugs I get from those who are now grown adults is only further proof for me that what I do is important and does make a difference.”

It should come as no surprise that Tamela is in this for the long haul — a fact evidenced by her tenure with GISD spanning over a decade-and-a-half now.

“This is my 16th year of teaching!” she says. “I have taught all 16 years in Gonzales and as a fourth grade language arts teacher. I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. Gonzales is my home and I want to do all I can to make a difference in our community.”

When it comes to giving advice to those who aspire to become a teacher, Tamela says the best advice she can give is to only enter this profession if one truly feels called to do it.

“This kind of career isn’t one that should be taken lightly,” she insists. “Many people don’t understand what a teacher is asked to do on a daily basis simply because they aren’t in our classrooms every day. We as teachers have one of the most important jobs on Earth. After all a doctor, NFL player, nurse, lawyer or President of the United States had to walk through the doors of many classrooms before entering their professions.

“We don’t just stand in front of  a room and talk to children,” she says. “We wipe tears, give hugs and encourage when it seems they’ve lost hope. Our job isn’t easy and is by no means an 8 to 5 kind of profession. It takes dedication, hard work, and a willingness to work long hours without extra pay. There are many nights and weekends spent getting ready for the next week because every second in a classroom counts.

“Every day we have the power to impact the life of a child in a positive way. We have the power to give hope. We shape the future.”