To begin the 2023-2024 school year, Fraser High School welcomed assistant principal, Mr. James Baker.

Mr. Baker started his college journey studying to be a civil engineer and playing football at Ohio Northern University. He quickly came to the realization that engineering was not the path for him and switched majors to secondary education/history. Baker transferred to Alma College his sophomore year because they had a strong teacher education program and he wanted to continue playing football.

“Working with young adults and seeing them overcome obstacles to achieve their goals, both in the classroom and playing field, will never grow old and is what keeps me motivated, ” Baker said. “After 11 years in the classroom, I became an administrator to have a greater impact on student success and to help my fellow teachers grow in their craft.”

Mr. Baker is passionate about helping students too.

“I hope to enhance student learning outcomes, promote collaboration among staff, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students while preparing them for a successful future” Baker said.

Mr. Baker hopes to promote staff collaboration, as working together always serves for the better of everyone. He also wants to keep an inclusive environment. If everyone is treated equally and given the same chance to excel, anyone can do anything they want in their futures.

The new principal considers himself to be a servant leader. He believes servant leaders place the needs of their teachers and students before their own interests and focus entirely on their growth development. When it comes to student discipline, he work with the student to become self-aware of their behavioral shortcomings or mistakes and use these missteps as opportunities to learn.

“The objective of discipline is to teach students what is right and wrong, not just to punish,” Baker said. “After students have been given the opportunity to learn and grow from mistakes, if they continue to make the same mistakes, then the student code of conduct related to disciplinary actions is upheld.”

Baker plans to work with teachers in various ways to ensure student success. These include, but are not limited to, professional development, curriculum development, feedback from classroom observations, student data analysis, problem solving, recognition, encouragement, and advocacy. “Collaboration and support between administrators and teachers are essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment that leads to student success” Baker said.

Mr. Baker seems to have a drive for student discipline which is a key to success. With his ideas and help, he can make our school become a place. Though it is just Mr. Baker being talked about and other staff can have the same or similar ideas, one person truly can make a difference.

Lastly, our new vice principal hopes to address challenges and issues by having empathy for others.

“Anytime a challenge or issue arises, the first step involves listening and empathizing to what others say and feel, and then you try to understand their perspectives, needs, and emotions” Baker said.

Not everyone goes about problems the same way, as this would be effective.

“The next step when facing a challenge is to adapt and learn from the issue you are facing. Adapting and learning means that you are flexible, resilient, and open-minded in the face of change, uncertainty, and complexity,” Baker said. “Adapting and learning will help you cope with stress, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities.”

Everyone sees things differently therefore we need to take time to solve problems, as well as take other points of view into consideration. Mr. Baker fits this category just well, and overall seems to be  a great person.