About+Me



Laura Bakes

High School - Manual HS, Denver

BA - Political Science with a minor in Philosophy - Metropolitan State College of Denver

MA - Religious Studies - Naropa University, Boulder

I am a Denver native and I enjoy camping, soccer, camogie (an Irish sport), and reading.

Why am I a teacher?

media type="youtube" key="lKix9Cs6oC0" height="364" width="445"

After achieving my master's degree, I decided that I wanted to teach at the secondary level. I had coached girls soccer a few years before starting graduate school and really connected with that age group.

Because I graduated from Manual High school here in Denver, it is important to me to find ways to give back to my community. One of the ways I am choosing to serve my community is by becoming a teacher. I hope to be the type of teacher who inspired me to see the world as a place of hope and a place where I could make a difference.

How would I describe my educational philosophy?

First, I feel that an interdisciplinary approach to education is a must. Social Studies represents the human experience and this is naturally a broad range of topics. When considering the impact of an historical event, it is important to examine art, music, literature, politics, religion and even the popular culture of the time.

Second, Social Studies should connect us to our communities and our world. Geography and economics, for example, do not exist only in textbooks. I hope to present students with the ways in which our coursework is connected with the world around us.

Third, education is a powerful force. I intend to give my students opportunities to empower themselves through a journey of learning. I like to call this The Hero's Journey. Students can learn and improve on an individual level and then bring their talents and voices back into the class. Each student has a unique voice and collaborative projects can provide a successful place for students to gain confidence. I also hope that they will learn from each other along the way.

Finally, my educational philosophy includes technology as an important resource and tool for students. The classroom expands through the impact of video, audio, and creative projects. This really is a small world and with the help of the internet, we will use interactive maps, virtual recreations of historical places, and connect with other cultures. Students will be able to have enriching experience that occurs outside of the text.

Why should you hire me?

My educational philosophy is more than just a few good ideas. I believe that my commitment to students and our community is a practical foundation for teaching. My academic education has exposed me to a myriad of perspectives and viewpoints. I can introduce my students to a world of human beings; rather than memorizing mere ideologies, dates, and names. We can learn together in a collaborative classroom and appreciate the talents that each of us brings to the learning environment.

I have made life-long learning a integral part of who I am. My continued education informs my teaching ability. I keep up with new developments in my field and see technology as a key factor in student retention. Through teaching to our students' high tech talents, I believe we can find a multitude of creative, collaborative, and academic interests that will enrich and engage. All it takes is an open mind and the willingness to believe in young people. I am this type of mentor/teacher and I am willing to believe in my students today, tomorrow, and always.